Newcastle United has secured the signing of Lloyd Kelly on a free transfer, adding depth and versatility to their defensive lineup. The 25-year-old defender has agreed to a five-year contract with the Premier League club and will officially join them on July 1.
The decision to bring in Kelly comes after Newcastle missed out on their primary defensive target, Tosin Adarabioyo, who joined Chelsea from Fulham on a free transfer. Despite interest from European clubs, Kelly chose to reunite with manager Eddie Howe, who originally brought him to Bournemouth from Bristol City in 2019.
One of the key factors that attracted Newcastle to Kelly was his ability to play both as a left-back and a centre-back. This versatility will provide valuable options for the team, especially as they currently have Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles sidelined with ACL injuries.
The lack of a transfer fee for Kelly made him an even more attractive option for Newcastle. The club needs to adhere to the Premier League’s profitability and sustainability rules (PSR) while conducting significant incoming business. By securing a player of Kelly’s caliber without having to pay a fee, the club can allocate their resources towards other areas of the squad that require strengthening.
In addition to Kelly’s arrival, Newcastle is actively pursuing other targets in the transfer market. Talks have already begun with Burnley for goalkeeper Will Norris, as the club aims to bolster their goalkeeping options. They are also in search of a right-sided forward and a striker to further enhance their attacking prowess. Another defender may also be brought in to provide additional depth and cover.
Overall, Newcastle’s acquisition of Lloyd Kelly is a strategic move that addresses their defensive needs and adds quality to their squad. The signing of the versatile defender will provide options and flexibility for manager Eddie Howe as he looks to build a competitive team for the upcoming season.