In a big move for both clubs, Lloyd Kelly has officially signed with Juventus after a short loan spell from Newcastle United. The 26-year-old English defender joined Juventus in January 2025 on loan, and now the Italian giants have made the transfer permanent.
This article covers the details of Kelly’s transfer, his impact at Juventus, and what it means for both teams.
Transfer Details
Juventus signed Lloyd Kelly from Newcastle United for a loan fee of €3 million in February 2025, with an obligation to buy for €17.5 million plus potential add-ons. The deal was finalized after Kelly met the required number of appearances, triggering the permanent transfer. According to reports, the total package could reach €20 million, a significant profit for Newcastle, who signed Kelly on a free transfer from Bournemouth in June 2024.
Lloyd Kelly’s Journey
Kelly, a versatile defender who can play as a center-back or left-back, started his career at Bristol City before making a name for himself at Bournemouth. After his contract with Bournemouth expired, he joined Newcastle United on a free transfer in 2024. However, his time at Newcastle was short-lived, as he struggled to secure a regular starting spot under manager Eddie Howe. This led to his loan move to Juventus, where he has shown promise despite a recent thigh injury.
Impact at Juventus
Since joining Juventus, Kelly has made 13 appearances across all competitions, impressing with his athleticism and composure on the ball. His ability to adapt to different defensive roles has been valuable for Juventus, especially after injuries to key defenders like Gleison Bremer and Juan Cabal. However, some critics have questioned his consistency, and he is still working to cement a starting role under manager Igor Tudor.
What This Means for Newcastle
For Newcastle United, the transfer is a financial win. Turning a free signing into a £20 million deal in less than a year helps their budget, especially with Premier League Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR) in mind. Manager Eddie Howe expressed reluctance to let Kelly go, praising his attitude and potential, but the move frees up £7.8 million a year in wages. Newcastle may now look to reinvest in their squad to push for European qualification.
What’s Next for Kelly?
At 26, Kelly is still young and has room to grow. Juventus sees him as a long-term investment to modernize their defensive line. His versatility and Premier League experience make him a good fit for Serie A, where tactical flexibility is key. If he can stay injury-free and adapt to Juventus’ system, Kelly could become a regular starter in Turin.
Conclusion
Lloyd Kelly’s permanent move to Juventus marks an exciting new chapter for the defender. While Newcastle benefits financially, Juventus gains a talented player with the potential to shine in Serie A. Fans will be watching closely to see how Kelly performs in the coming seasons. Stay tuned for more transfer news as the summer window approaches!
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