Strange U-turn could see Lloyd Kelly reunite with Newcastle United next season
Crystal Palace are linked with a move for former Newcastle United defender Lloyd Kelly.
Crystal Palace are reportedly eyeing a move for former Newcastle United defender Lloyd Kelly.
In a bizarre transfer twist just days after his Juventus switch became permanent, the 26-year-old could sign for his fourth club in 12 months. A roller-coaster year saw Newcastle sign Kelly on a free transfer from Bournemouth last summer.
Signed by Eddie Howe as experienced cover at left-back and centre-back, Kelly soon fell down the pecking order. He made just four Premier League starts for the Magpies before being loaned out in January.
Sporting director Paul Mitchell landed a deal that was widely praised within Toon circles. Juventus signed Kelly until the end of the campaign with an obligation to buy him for £20million.
Newcastle United confirmed Lloyd Kelly exit
Newcastle confirmed the defender’s exit earlier this month but he could already be on the move again. Kelly’s stint in Italy has not gone to plan - with some media outlets labelling him the worst signing in the club’s history.
Juve sacked sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli a week ago with his recruitment firmly under the microscope. It is now down to Damien Comolli as the new general director and director of football Giorgio Chiellini to undo the damage.
Juventus want Lloyd Kelly
Il Bianconero claim Crystal Palace are considering offering Kelly an escape route back to the Premier League. The transfer merry-go-round has also seen the Eagles linked with Toon duo Joe Willock and Matt Targett, while Marc Guehi is wanted by Newcastle.
“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.
Lloyd Kelly was excited by Juventus
Lloyd Kelly was eager to get stuck into the Juve challenge following his loan move in January. He said: “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.”