Matt Targett has completed his permanent move to Newcastle after the club activated their option to sign him following his successful loan spell.
The 26-year-old impressed head coach Eddie Howe and the club’s new owners, playing every minute of the 16 Premier League matches he appeared in after joining on January 31, helping to steer the club away from the relegation picture and finish 11th, keeping five clean sheets along the way.
Newcastle had a deal in place to make the move permanent for £15m, which includes a £3m loan fee for last season, and have activated the option.
Following the Magpies’ 2-0 win over Arsenal on May 16, the former England U21 international appeared to express his interest in joining the club on a permanent basis, when he spoke to NUTV.
The 26-year-old joined Aston Villa from Southampton in 2019
“I’m absolutely delighted to sign a four-year contract with this club,” Targett told the club’s official website. “For me, it was an easy decision to make the loan permanent after the welcome I had from my fellow players, the staff, the supporters and the owners, so I’m really happy to be here.”
Howe added: “Matt had a fantastic impact after joining on loan in January and made a big contribution to some excellent team performances.
“He is a great lad and a top professional who undoubtedly makes us stronger, so I’m delighted he sees his future here.”