Middlesbrough should turn to Aston Villa bargain as Matt Targett dilemma looms | OneFootball

Matt Targett's departure from Middlesbrough should open the door for Finley Munroe to stake a claim for first-team football

Middlesbrough will likely be on the lookout for a new left-back this summer, after Matt Targett's loan from Newcastle United ended.

The 30-year-old's contributions to the success at the Riverside this past season were a welcome surprise, after he hardly played in the last couple of campaigns at St James' Park.

The 46 appearances that Targett made in his one year at Middlesbrough were one fewer than he managed in three and a half years at his parent club. He started 42 games out of 49 in the Championship and the play-offs, being a solid operator both at centre-back and in his natural left-back position, too.

It's no surprise that the defender's time on the books at Newcastle has come to an end, being released from his contract as the Magpies look to push back towards being a Champions League club. What is a little surprising, though, is that Boro aren't expected to pursue a permanent deal.

The Northern Echo have reported that Targett's age, the money he was earning and the fact he was a Rob Edwards, not a Kim Hellberg, signing, have all contributed to the decision to let him move elsewhere, although you can never say never in football that it's their definitive decision.

Middlesbrough's Matt Targett decision can open the door for Finley Munroe to make an impact

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The Echo goes on to state that, once again, American full-back Max Arfsten is a target this summer for Middlesbrough to replace the departing Targett, but perhaps Kim Hellberg shouldn't be too hasty to invest in a new left-back.

Perhaps Boro should look into giving Finley Munroe a bit more of an enhanced role in the squad, following his £300,000 move from Aston Villa in the recent January window.

The 21-year-old only made a couple of appearances at Villa Park during the 2023/24 campaign, spending time on loan at Real Union in Spain and then Swindon Town in League Two, helping the latter to a very strong position in the fourth tier last season before departing.

Ian Holloway's side suffered an almighty collapse in the second half of the campaign, going from automatic promotion contenders to finishing outside the play-offs, and while Munroe's departure wasn't the root cause of that slide, it won't have helped to lose someone who started all 23 games that he was there for and contributed eight goals along the way.

Since his move to Middlesbrough, the young full-back has seen opportunities hard to come by. He made only three Championship appearances, all from the bench, totalling 53 minutes, and was an unused substitute on 12 occasions, including in the play-off semi-final second-leg against Southampton.

Ultimately, Targett locked down the left-back position due to his experience and the quality he was showing too. With the former Newcastle man no longer at the club, there's a spot open for Munroe to take, and if Kim Hellberg gives him a chance in pre-season, he could take it.

Finley Munroe fits the profile of what Kim Hellberg looks for in a wing-back

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Munroe was brought in during Kim Hellberg's first transfer window at the Riverside. Therefore, unlike Targett, he'll be able to provide what the Swedish boss wants from his full-backs over a long, gruelling season.

In League Two last year, the 21-year-old ranked in the top 10% of left-wing-backs for successful crosses, big chances created and assists, per Fotmob. Bearing in mind that he only played half of the campaign.

The Northern Echo has stated that Kim Hellberg wants a left-back who can provide what Callum Brittain does on the opposite flank, which is to play high up the pitch, get involved in attacks and create chances.

While it was in League Two, and that jump to a side who will be wanting to go one better and secure automatic promotion to the Premier League is a big one, Munroe has the characteristics and qualities that Hellberg will want, so it would make sense to try him out for a bit before making a decision.

If the 21-year-old excels, then Middlesbrough will have a top, young left-back who could aid in a top-flight push and make them a good profit in the future, while also allowing Boro to invest in other positions to bolster the squad ahead of the new campaign.