There has been some major developments regarding the future of Lloyd Kelly after ongoing links with Serie A giants Juventus.
After Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to Fulham, Fabrizio Romano revealed that the Italian side had been in contact again over a January deal for the defender, claiming a loan-to-buy deal had been discussed.
A few hours later, it looks as though Kelly is on his way to Juve a matter of months on from his free agent arrival from Bournemouth.
According to some big breaking news from Fabrizio Romano on Saturday night, Newcastle United have now AGREED a deal with Juventus over Lloyd Kelly.
He reports that an agreement is now in place over an initial loan with an obligation to buy for £15m at the end of the 2024/25 season.
Romano adds that the deal is £15m with add-ons and includes a future sell-on clause. Terms of his contract have also been agreed and medical plans are in the offing to bring Kelly to Turn.
In a post on X, Romano said: ‘Lloyd Kelly to Juventus, here we go! Verbal agreement in place for Newcastle CB to join on loan with obligation to buy. Package around £15m with add-ons and sell-on clause, contract agreed with Kelly. Medical being planned right now.’
Having sold Dean Huijsen and still awaiting the return of Gleison Bremen, the Old Lady is in desperate need of defensive reinforcements if they want to continue their own push for Champions League football.
Pending the return of Emil Krafth and Jamaal Lascelles to the senior squad, Newcastle would still maintain a sense of squad depth if Kelly were to depart this month.
Though clearly admired by Howe and valued for his Premier League experience, Kelly has struggles for starts at centre-back or left-back. And with Sven Botman edging closer to full fitness, this is unlikely to change barring an injury to Dan Burn or Fabian Schar.
At left-back, Matt Targett is fit again and can be used along with Tino Livramento should Lewis Hall suffer an injury down that side. It’s a quick profit that could suit all parties.
Any funds raised from Kelly’s transfer could potentially be used in this window, with Newcastle themselves desperate to bolster their attacking options, especially down that right side.
Whilst the £15m is unlikely to help coax top target Bryan Mbuemo away from Brentford, the Magpies could use the money to at least afford a back up option to Alexander Isak from abroad.
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