Targett Acquired: Aston Villa Confirm Signing of Defender

Aston Villa have today confirmed the signing of fullback Matt Targett from Southampton.

Words by Mark Jirobe | @VillaMarkPGH

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Aston Villa have made good on the rumour of securing the services of defender Matt Targett from Southhampton for an undisclosed fee.

Aston Villa were in serious need for depth in the left-back position, and Dean Smith and his coaching staff will be delighted with the tactical awareness that Targett brings into the fold. The 23-year old featured 16 times for the Saints last season, making 23 total key passes along the way.

Targett played second fiddle to Ryan Bertrand for much of the season. who featured at left wing-back with 24 appearances. Select Southampton supporters will tell you that Targett probably deserves a chance to be first-choice somewhere, but it was just not looking likely at St. Mary’s although the player should have a promising future. 

Targett traditionally has played a bit more forward than Villa supporters are used to seeing from a fullback, as well. Crossing the ball into favourable areas of the pitch seems to be a joy for Targett and that’s definitely a nuance that helped Aston Villa gain promotion to the Premier League last season. 

There is still time for Matt Targett to develop skills that some Villa supporters may question, but this is the kind of signing that clubs who want to stay in the Premier League make often.

Too long have Aston Villa dove head first into the loan market to fill gaps in the first-team and essentially developing other clubs talent. Developing Matt Targett and other players around his age will be paramount for Aston Villa in the coming years and it looks like that plan is beginning to spin into motion.

New signing Matt Targett is relishing linking up with Head Coach Dean Smith as he stressed: “The gaffer is building something special here”.