3 reasons why potential Leeds United deal for Newcastle United man makes no sense | OneFootball

Leeds United should avoid making a move for Newcastle United's Matt Targett.

Leeds United are believed to be interested in Newcastle United’s Matt Targett as they look to strengthen their squad ahead of the February 3rd deadline.

The Whites have had a quiet window so far, although it’s easy to see why, as Daniel Farke’s side are top of the Championship, and they are well-stocked for options in most areas of the pitch.

Nevertheless, the recruitment team will always be on the lookout of how they can improve, and it has been claimed that Leeds have enquired about Targett.

The 29-year-old is way down the pecking order at St. James’ Park, so they would be open to a departure, but here we outline THREE reasons why Leeds bringing in Targett would make no sense…

They have capable left-back options at the club

As mentioned, Leeds are flying high right now, and whilst there are always ways you can improve, the majority of fans would have a striker or an attacking midfielder as more of a priority than left-back.

Junior Firpo has been very good at left-back for much of this season, and, in his absence, Sam Byram has performed well.

Even though the latter is right-footed, he is comfortable down the left flank, and Firpo is a very useful asset to the side when he plays, so it’s hard to say that Targett would be an upgrade on the former Barcelona man.

Firpo’s contract is expiring in the summer, but a January exit is not on the cards, so, once he is up to speed, you wouldn’t even expect Targett to be in the best XI.

He will be lacking match fitness

A reason why the January window is so difficult is that you need to sign players who will fit in quickly to their new surroundings.

Obviously, there would be no concerns over Targett in terms of adapting to the Championship, as he has experience at this level and in the Premier League.

However, one worry is his lack of game time. The former Aston Villa man has had terrible luck on the injury front over the past few years, and he has played less than 90 minutes of competitive first-team football this season, with the majority of that coming against Bromley in the FA Cup.

Looking further back, he has not featured in successive games since 2023, so match fitness is going to be a real issue.

Realistically, he is going to need weeks and maybe even months to fully get up to speed, and Leeds would want any January addition to make an instant impact.

He’s not a long-term solution

Finally, this doesn’t seem like a sensible long-term addition for the club, which should always be the target for those involved in recruitment.

They don’t have a pressing need for a left-back, but with doubts about Firpo’s future beyond this season, it could become a problem position.

Therefore, they should be monitoring players they think could be a successor to Firpo, and they will obviously have the Premier League in mind as promotion looks like a real possibility.

Targett’s age, injury record and lack of game time in recent years are major red flags, so Leeds should look elsewhere as they try to find a player who can play a key role at left-back in the years to come.