Matt Targett set to miss remainder of season with hamstring injury (Howe)

[GEFAFWISP]

If Trippier is marauding on the other side I see no problem having him, a less offensively minded full back, starting on the left. Plus if ASM is ahead of him, then that solidity is exactly what we should be looking for. Depends what Howe wants to do tactically really, if we're lining up next season with Targett I'd be happy, binning off Ritchie, maybe Lewis as backup and Dummett can be the 25th man at a push.

[Raconteur]

I think Targett is going to end up being one of the players Eddie was saying we’d be sad to say goodbye to - he’s been absolutely outstanding and If be happy for him to stay, but the fact they gave Dummett another contract and talk of Lodi suggests Targett will be going back to Villa.

[STM]

If we don't sign him, he might just get the best reception from a former player when he plays against us.

 

I suspect we had Lodi lined up in January and that's why we didn't just sign Targett on a permanent then.

[Guest HTT II]

SIGN HIM

[Mazzy]

Surely won't want to stay at Villa next season and be back up to Digne. Time for him to move on this summer, whether that's here or elsewhere in the Prem. 

[The College Dropout]

Thank you. 

[LV]

Just watched his interview on the club website. Bless him, he really wants to stay. 
 

Also, he’s got a mouthful of teeth hasnt he!

[The Prophet]

He seems like a top lad as well.

 

Whether it ends up being hom or Lodi, he's had a brilliant half season. So consistent. 

 

 

Edited May 17, 2022 by The Prophet

[80]

Does he think he'll be happy as a squad member of a champion's league team? That's maybe the question that decides whether he stays here.

 

He came here for first team football in his mid-20s which is ultra respectable. But being categorical backup at perennial also-ran Villa is a bit of an insult. Maybe the project here is a better way of spending his life? He's clearly genuinely happy here which is great.

[huss9]

he needs to stay in place of jamal lewis.

we can leave LB for another window.

[Conjo]

His offensive game doesn't get enough credit imo because of how solid he is defensively. Just take yesterday as an example. The first touch to bring down the cross field ball from Schar to get past the Arsenal player and play through Wilson was pure filth. Then from deep in our half he plays through Wilson for Whites yellow card. He also overlapped well and played a nice ball through a small gap between to Arsenal players into the box for our second goal. On top of that he is very good at set pieces. 

[gbandit]

Aye, the way he trapped that ball was immense 

[sushimonster85]

I honestly think if that rumoured £15m fee is correct then we should sign him up. I know the fee talked about for Lodi seems to be between the £20-£25m range, which is also a good price, and I do think Lodi is likely the better attacking full back. But Targett is solid, and I don't think Lodi is £10m extra better than he is.

[number37]

Even though Willock did absolutely amazingly well, in my brain I'll always give the assist for Bruno's second goal against Leicester to this guy. Seven times out of ten, Dummett's conceding a penalty in a similar situation. 

[Minhosa]

Got to keep this fella, even if we bring in a new exciting LB, he can bed in gradually whilst learning the PL from Targett.

[relámpago blanco]

I think we have to sign him then we have a position we dont have to worry about.  Sure he isn't the best leftback in world football but he is excellent

[Smal]

Why not sign him and Lodi? Rotate between the two based on the situation of each game. Have a squad. Try and win a fucking cup  

[Dr Jinx]

He has to stay. I worry Dummett’s contract extension will make the decision harder for the manager, if someone like Lodi is available.

[polkaDot]

fingers crossed he stays. great player.

[r0cafella]

26 minutes ago, Smal said:

Why not sign him and Lodi? Rotate between the two based on the situation of each game. Have a squad. Try and win a fucking cup  

Unfortunately we aren’t in a position to spend 60m + on left backs

[Smal]

Dummett has been given an extra year as a kind of stop gap emergency 3rd choice left back/left centre back imo. Him being able to play two positions means he has merit as a squad member.

[Smal]

1 minute ago, r0cafella said:

Unfortunately we aren’t in a position to spend 60m + on left backs

Are you saying Lodi is going to cost £45m+?
 

Targett has a £15m clause in the loan doesn’t he?

[Guest]

Another win where he’s a key part in the winner as well mind for those saying he might lack something going forward. Think his attacking play is very under-rated by a lot of people. I’d love it if we signed him.

 

 

Edited May 17, 2022 by Optimistic Nut

[wormy]

21 minutes ago, Smal said:

Why not sign him and Lodi? Rotate between the two based on the situation of each game. Have a squad. Try and win a fucking cup  

 

I love the idea in theory but you'd figure someone like Lodi wouldn't come to share starting duties and Targett wanted out of Villa because he wants to start games.

 

If we sign him permanently I think it has to be with the intention of being first choice for at least one year, maybe two, otherwise we're thanking him for his tremendous contribution this season by locking him in to a contract in the exact situation he's currently trying to leave. If Howe can't guarantee that based on what he wants out of his full back long-term I'd rather we do the decent thing, are honest about that and just thank him for this half a season and good luck wherever he heads on to.

 

Ultimately, if we sign Targett next season as our first choice left back I'd have no reservations whatsoever; while not exactly explosive I actually think he's underrated as far as what he offers going forward. Equally, knowing the style of football Howe wants long-term, I will completely understand if he pursues another option.

[r0cafella]

5 minutes ago, Smal said:

Are you saying Lodi is going to cost £45m+?
 

Targett has a £15m clause in the loan doesn’t he?

Yes, he will cost about that.