‘Formally completed’ - Fabrizio Romano confirms £15m Newcastle United summer transfer

Juventus are expected to formally announce Newcastle United defender Lloyd Kelly as their first summer signing.

Signed from Bournemouth on a free transfer last year, the 26-year-old was expected to provide cover for Eddie Howe at centre-back and left-back. It was the Toon boss who initially signed Kelly as Cherries boss in 2019.

However, the defender’s opportunities soon became limited, with just four Premier League starts in six months. He last featured on Newcastle’s top-flight teamsheet in the 2-0 home defeat to West Ham United on November 25.

PSR restrictions in January meant the Magpies were not on the hunt for incomings. Toon chiefs were keen to keep their powder dry while exploring possible outgoings to alleviate financial pressures.

Eyebrows were raised when Juventus came calling for the out-of-favour Kelly. An initial loan move, specific permutations were needed to make the switch permanent this summer.

NewcastleWorld understands the criteria was always set to be hit despite rumours about the details. Italian outlets initially claimed the deal hinged on Juventus qualifying for any UEFA competition next season.

Fabrizio Romano confirms Juventus have signed Lloyd Kelly

But that appears to be hearsay as prominent Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano now reports the move has been confirmed from Juve’s end. This ties with information on Tyneside that Kelly was always going to become a Juventus player.

“Juventus confirm obligation-to-buy clause for Lloyd Kelly has now been activated for €17.5million with add-ons,” Romano posted on social media. “It was always a permanent move planned with no chance of return to Newcastle but now formally completed.”

Eddie Howe did not want to lose Lloyd Kelly

Howe told reporters following Kelly’s exit that he was reluctant to let him go. But for the benefit of PSR, the decision was a no-brainer.

"I don't think it was necessarily my decision to let him leave,” he said. “We were very reluctant from our side. But we are trying to manage PSR & make decisions that will benefit us long term. This is one of those decisions.

“(It is) slightly frustrating for him that he hadn’t played more, but in part really due to the form of the other players around him. But I think we’re in the world, and we have been this window of trying to manage PSR and trying to make decisions that benefit us in the long-term, and this is one of those decisions.

“So, Lloyd leaves with our best wishes, he certainly has had an exemplary attitude during his time here and I’m sure he’ll do well in Italy and it’s an exciting new challenge for him.”

Recap Lloyd Kelly’s first interview at Juventus

Currently injured, the defender has represented Juve in Serie A and the Champions League this season. Kelly let the Turin faithful know what he will bring to their team following the initial loan move.

“It’s an amazing feeling to be part of this club, you know, the history behind it,” Kelly told Juventus TV. “The club as a whole is huge in Italy, I think every player knows what it means to wear this jersey, and I’m representing this club.

“So I’m delighted to be here and just can’t wait to get started and hit the ground running, really. I’d describe myself as a player who wants to get on the ball, who loves defending - the one vs one duels, I thrive on those situations.

“I put my body on the line and as a defender, you want to keep clean sheets, so that’s another aim of mine. I’m someone who gives their full self in training and in games and I’m just looking forward to getting it started.”

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