In a significant development for Juventus, it has been confirmed that the club has activated its obligation to purchase English defender Lloyd Kelly from Newcastle United. Initially joining the Bianconeri on loan in January 2025, Kelly’s move to a permanent contract has been solidified following his appearances for the club, regardless of Juventus’ uncertain Champions League qualification.
Kelly, who made the switch to Juventus after struggling for playing time at Newcastle, has already racked up 13 appearances since his arrival in Turin. The deal, reported to be worth €14.5 million, plus additional performance-related fees, was set in motion with a loan fee of €3 million. The total cost could rise to €20 million depending on various sporting targets achieved during his time at Juventus.
Despite the initial concerns surrounding Juventus’ potential failure to qualify for European football, it appears the conditions tied to Kelly’s permanent transfer were not as stringent as first believed. Reports from Italian media have clarified that the obligation to buy was primarily linked to Kelly’s number of appearances rather than the club’s position in the league.
Juventus currently sits fourth in Serie A with 63 points, level on points with both Roma and Lazio, and their next match will be against Lazio. Coach Igor Tudor has expressed confidence in his squad’s ability to secure a Champions League spot, but the focus remains on Kelly’s contributions on the field.
“We had prepared differently to most other matches, with a 3-5-2 formation moving into spaces and battling physically,” Tudor said after a recent match against Bologna. “We know this is a Bologna side built over several years, and they have a specific type of football that made me decide to prepare it this way. It’s a good point, and I am happy with a solid result in a stadium where everyone struggled.”
However, Kelly’s journey has not been without challenges. He recently suffered a muscle injury, which has ruled him out of the upcoming fixture against Lazio, following his absence in the previous match against Bologna. This setback has raised questions about his immediate impact on the team as they push for a strong finish to the season.
Newcastle United's management had high hopes for Kelly, who initially joined the Magpies on a free transfer from Bournemouth. However, after finding himself on the bench more often than not under manager Eddie Howe, the decision to loan him out to Juventus was made to provide him with more playing time and to help manage the club's financial situation under Premier League Profitability and Sustainability Rules.
Howe acknowledged the difficult decision to let Kelly go, stating, “It wasn’t necessarily my decision to let him leave. I think it's very reluctant from our side because Lloyd's a player that just recently signed, and we believed in him and his qualities.”
The financial implications of Kelly’s transfer are noteworthy. With Newcastle set to receive a total of around £20 million for a player they acquired for free just months earlier, it’s seen as a savvy business move. Kelly’s departure will also help free up funds for Newcastle to pursue new signings in the summer transfer window, as they look to bolster their squad.
Reports indicate that Newcastle is preparing for a busy summer, with a focus on acquiring a goalkeeper, a center-back, a right winger, and potentially a striker. The funds generated from Kelly’s transfer are expected to play a crucial role in enabling these signings.
As for Kelly, his time at Juventus has been a mixed bag. While he has faced criticism in the Italian media, the club’s management seems pleased with his contributions. The Bianconeri have been keen on securing his services long-term, and it appears they have successfully navigated the conditions set out in his loan agreement.
Juventus will be looking to solidify their position in the league as they head into the final stretch of the season. With only a few matches remaining, every point is crucial as they aim to secure a place in next year’s Champions League.
In summary, Lloyd Kelly’s move to Juventus is now confirmed as a permanent transfer, a decision that reflects both the player’s performance and the strategic planning of both clubs involved. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on how Kelly adapts to his new environment and contributes to Juventus’ ambitions.
