Southampton eye move to bring back former favourite from Middlesbrough after Spygate controversy

Southampton fans dreaming of Matt Targett return as Saints battle Middlesbrough after Spygate chaos

It has already been a summer full of drama for Southampton, and after everything that unfolded with the Spygate scandal, Saints supporters are desperate for something positive to hold onto.

The fallout from the controversy is still hanging over St Mary’s after Southampton were thrown out of the Championship play-offs following the EFL’s investigation into allegations of spying on rival training sessions. It has left fans frustrated, disappointed and uncertain about what comes next.

But amid all the chaos, a familiar name is now being linked with a return — and it is one many Southampton fans know very well.

According to reports from SportsBoom, the Saints are in the race to re-sign former academy graduate Matt Targett, with Middlesbrough also pushing hard to bring the Newcastle United defender back this summer.

And for Southampton supporters, this one feels personal.

Targett came through the academy ranks at St Mary’s and was one of the club’s own before leaving for Aston Villa back in 2019. Since then, he has built up plenty of Premier League experience with Villa and Newcastle, proving himself as a reliable left-back when fit.

Even though injuries have slowed him down recently, many Saints fans will remember the quality he brought and the consistency he offered during his first spell.

Last season at Middlesbrough gave him the chance to get regular football again, and it sounds like Boro were impressed enough to want him back permanently. Reports suggest they are currently leading the race after already speaking with his camp.

Still, Southampton supporters will be hoping the emotional pull of returning home could make the difference.

After everything the club has been through in recent weeks, bringing back a familiar face who understands Southampton and genuinely cares about the badge could be exactly the kind of boost fans have been crying out for.