Matt Targett would be a better signing for Newcastle than Mitchel Bakker – opinion

Add as preferred source on Google

Newcastle United’s search for a left-back has seen them linked with Aston Villa’s Matt Targett.

The Magpies have been looking for a new left-back all month, with Lucas Digne the subject of interest after Kieran Trippier’s arrival.

Instead, he went to Aston Villa. Robin Gosens has also been linked, but the Atalanta star is currently injured.

Now Newcastle are apparently looking closer to home, with 90min stating the Magpies have asked about the man Digne has replaced at Villa Park, Matt Targett.

They’ve also reportedly made a £14.5million bid for Bayer Leverkusen’s Mitchel Bakker. But the Aston Villa ace would be a much better addition than the Dutchman.

Newcastle should stay sensible and go for Matt Targett

While the January transfer window has been frustrating, Newcastle have made sensible signings. Kieran Trippier and Chris Wood have been smart additions, and show that the new Toon owners aren’t trying to land Hollywood names just yet.

The Magpies should continue along that trajectory and prioritise a move for Targett over Bakker.

Targett has been a solid player for Villa since he joined them in 2019. He was voted Players’ Player of the Season for the 2020/21 campaign by his teammates.

That’s a fantastic award to win, as it shows how valued you are by your peers.

But Villa have brought in a bigger name in Digne now, meaning Targett’s future is up in the air.

However, he’d be very welcome at St James’ Park, and would bring proven Premier League quality. While he’s not the most attacking fullback, he’s shown he can have an impact in the final third over the past few years. And he’s resolute defensively, which is the most important thing.

It’s his Premier League experience that makes him stand out though, and why he should be signed ahead of Bakker.

At 21-years-old, Bakker has played for some big clubs. He started at Ajax before joining PSG. Now he’s with Bayer Leverkusen, where he’s played 12 times in the Bundesliga this season.

He could go on to be a top quality left-back, but his arrival would be considered a risk compared to Targett. He might not settle, which isn’t what we need in the midst of a relegation battle.

Our situation is so precarious that every decision Newcastle makes needs to be the correct one. If we have a choice between the two, Amanda Staveley and co have to hit the target and land the Villa ace.