As the dust settles on Newcastle United’s campaign, focus quietly shifts to what could be a defining summer.
Squad evolution is inevitable, especially with European football again. But behind the exciting rumours and potential incomings, there’s another side to this process; moving players out.
It’s never an easy call, particularly with those who played a part in the club’s journey back to the top five of the Premier League.
But modern football isn’t sentimental, and squad efficiency matters; both financially and tactically.
Eddie Howe knows this. And with Financial Fair Play still casting a long shadow over recruitment plans, tough decisions are being made.
The club can't afford to carry passengers on hefty wages, especially in positions where minutes have been few and far between.
Injuries, dips in form, and tactical tweaks have all played their part and now, the message to at least one senior player is clear: the door is open for a move elsewhere.
Newcastle ready to offload high earner this summer
That player is Matt Targett. Once a regular feature at left-back, Targett’s influence has faded.
According to ChronicleLive, Newcastle have informed the 29-year-old that he’s free to leave this summer.
Despite early promise after arriving from Southampton, the £100,000-per-week full-back has become a peripheral figure.
Letting him go makes sense. It frees up valuable wage space and opens the path for younger or more dynamic options to compete for that role.
For Targett, it could also mean a fresh start, something he might welcome after a frustrating spell on Tyneside.
This move won’t grab headlines like a marquee signing would, but in many ways, it’s just as important.
Newcastle are building for the long haul and that begins by making room for what comes next.