Crystal Palace are making waves in the final days of the summer transfer window, with their sights set squarely on Juventus defender Lloyd Kelly. As the clock ticks down, the South London club finds itself at a pivotal crossroads—balancing the high of an FA Cup triumph and European qualification with the sobering reality of potential squad upheaval. According to multiple Italian outlets, including Corriere dello Sport and La Gazzetta dello Sport, Palace are deep in discussions to bring Kelly back to the Premier League, a move that could set off a domino effect across European football.
The Eagles have endured a tumultuous summer, despite the silver lining of their FA Cup victory. Their European adventure, initially set for the UEFA Europa League, has been downgraded to the Europa Conference League for the 2025-26 campaign. This shift, coupled with the looming exits of key players Eberechi Eze and Marc Guehi, has left manager Oliver Glasner in a tricky position. Eze, chased by both Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal, appears set for a move to North London, with Arsenal reportedly agreeing a deal. Meanwhile, Liverpool have been circling Guehi, though the Merseyside club have so far balked at Palace’s valuation. As of August 23, 2025, the England international remains at Selhurst Park, but the consensus is that his departure is only a matter of time.
Enter Lloyd Kelly, a 6ft 2in defender with proven Premier League pedigree and the kind of versatility that Palace desperately need. Kelly’s journey has been anything but straightforward. After leaving Bournemouth on a free transfer, he joined Newcastle United, where he struggled to find regular minutes. A loan spell at Juventus in January 2025 offered a fresh start, and the Italian giants made his move permanent at the end of the season. However, Kelly has yet to nail down a starting spot in Turin, featuring 12 times last season and making four appearances in the FIFA Club World Cup. The recent arrivals of Pierre Kalulu from AC Milan and the returns of Tiago Djalo and Daniele Rugani have further limited his opportunities, prompting Juventus to consider offers for the Englishman.
"Kelly is a player with undoubted defensive ability," Newcastle manager Eddie Howe once remarked, highlighting the defender’s strengths. His capacity to play across the back line makes him an attractive proposition for Palace, who are bracing for an overhaul in their defensive department. The club’s interest is no secret; reports from Corriere dello Sport and Sports Mediaset confirm that Palace are serious about sealing a deal, with negotiations already underway. Juventus, for their part, are said to be open to letting Kelly leave for the right price—reportedly in the region of €17 million—hoping to turn a quick profit on their recent acquisition.
But it’s not just Palace who have been offered Kelly’s services. Wolves and Sunderland have also been approached, though the Eagles appear to be leading the race. As the window enters its final stretch, the pressure is mounting on Palace’s hierarchy to deliver reinforcements. Manager Oliver Glasner, who has been at the helm since February 2024, has made no secret of his frustrations with the club’s lack of transfer activity. "Losing Eze and Guehi without signing proper reinforcements would be criminal for a club trying to establish itself at the next level," an insider emphasized. The message is clear: Palace need pace and purpose in the transfer market, and Kelly is just the first step.
Juventus, meanwhile, are already plotting their next move. Should Kelly depart, the Bianconeri have identified Arsenal’s Jakub Kiwior as their primary target to fill the defensive void. Kiwior, who has slipped down the pecking order at the Emirates, is reportedly open to a return to Serie A, where his previous stint with Spezia earned him plaudits. Porto and other European clubs have also expressed interest in the Polish international, but Juventus are keen to act quickly to ensure squad stability. The Italian giants’ willingness to facilitate Kelly’s exit is as much about financial strategy as it is about on-field planning, with the club eager to balance acquisitions and departures before the window slams shut.
The potential transfer saga doesn’t end there. Juventus are also bracing for Premier League interest in academy product Nicolò Savona, who has previously been linked with Sunderland and Newcastle. The club’s proactive approach in the market reflects a broader trend among Europe’s elite, as teams seek to finalize their squads and address weaknesses ahead of a grueling season.
For Palace, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The club’s FA Cup success and European qualification have raised expectations, but the risk of regression looms large if key players depart without suitable replacements. Glasner has shown he can deliver on the pitch, but the board’s support in the transfer market will be crucial in determining whether the Eagles can build on last season’s achievements. Kelly’s arrival would undoubtedly bolster the rearguard, potentially forming a formidable partnership with Maxence Lacroix or Chris Richards, but more signings are needed to match the manager’s ambitions.
"He’s earned the right to be given a squad that can match his ambition," a source close to the club stated, echoing the sentiments of a fanbase eager for progress. The next few days promise to be decisive, not just for Palace but for the wider European transfer landscape. If the deal for Kelly goes through, expect a ripple effect—Juventus moving for Kiwior, Arsenal potentially offloading fringe players, and other clubs scrambling to adjust their rosters before the window closes.
As of now, the situation remains fluid. Palace are in contact with Juventus, and while no official bid has been lodged, the expectation is that an offer could be imminent. Juventus are prepared to negotiate, Palace are determined to reinforce, and Kelly himself is reportedly open to a return to England. The outcome will hinge on the willingness of all parties to strike a deal that serves their respective interests.
With the transfer window drawing to a close, all eyes are on Selhurst Park and Turin. Will Palace get their man and plug the defensive gap left by Guehi? Will Juventus secure Kiwior as Kelly’s replacement? The coming days will provide the answers, shaping the fortunes of clubs on both sides of the Channel. For now, anticipation builds as fans and pundits alike await the next twist in this summer’s transfer drama.
