Hull City have bolstered their defence ahead of their Premier League return with the addition of Matt Targett on a free transfer.

Targett left Newcastle United upon the expiration of his contract at the end of last season.

He spent the 2025-26 season out on loan at Middlesbrough, making 45 appearances in the Championship.

Only three Boro players made more appearances in the second tier last term, as Kim Hellberg’s team lost to Hull in the play-off final.

But Targett, who started in that game at Wembley, will get his Premier League return anyway, having signed a two-year deal with the Tigers, who hold an option to extend his contract.

"I’m at an age now where I feel like I am an experienced head to pass on previous experience of the Premier League to players who have not been in this situation. I’m hoping I’ll be a huge help in the dressing room," said Targett.

"It was during the England game [against France] and Isaid Hull were interested.

A solid first UTT pic.twitter.com/FMcpJ5PibQ

— Hull City (@HullCity) July 23, 2026

"The next minute, I was on a phone call with the owner. He is very invested in the football club and speaks very passionately, so it didn’t take much convincing to join."

Targett led Boro’s squad for interceptions (52) in the second tier last season, while also providing four assists from left-back.

The 30-year-old has played 164 times in the Premier League across his stints at Southampton, Aston Villa and Newcastle, and he hopes Hull can replicate the success that Sunderland and Leeds United enjoyed on their returns to the big time last season.

"It’s going to be a massive challenge, but we can take huge confidence from what the likes of Sunderland and Leeds did," he added.

Hull open their Premier League campaign at home against Manchester United on August 22.