The defender’s departure ends a 15-year association with his boyhood club, having joined the Academy at the age of eight.



Now 23, Targett made a total of 63 appearances for Saints across five years in the first team, making his debut in a Capital One Cup tie at Millwall in August 2014.



His only goal for the club, scored in the 3-3 draw with Bournemouth at St Mary’s in April, effectively clinched Premier League survival last season.



Targett has been an outstanding ambassador for the Academy, setting a fine example for future Staplewood graduates.



Everyone at Southampton Football Club would like to thank Matt for his tremendous service and wish him every success in the future.

Related Football structure update