‘Final details’ - Newcastle United expected to confirm double signing in the coming days

Newcastle United are edging closer to the signings of former Bournemouth skipper Lloyd Kelly and Fulham centre back Tosin Adarabioyo.

That’s according to Mail Sport journalist Craig Hope who claims that it is only a matter of days before the move for Adarabioyo is confirmed.

Hope posted on X: “NUFC are closing on free transfer signing of Tosin Adarabioyo. Progress made this week and, barring any late hitches, deal should be finalised in London in coming days.”

The 26-year-old, who was linked with Manchester United, is said to be particularly excited about the prospect of playing under Eddie Howe and is thought to be enthused by the project presented to him on Tyneside. Abarabioyo would instantly be a contender to start games next season, given the long-term knee injuries suffered by centre backs Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles. 

However, he could face some competition by another imminent arrival in Kelly, who is also on the verge of signing for the Magpies on a free transfer. Kelly worked with Eddie Howe at Bournemouth in his final season and was named in the Team of the Season alongside Adarabioyo when the two teams both celebrated automatic promotion from the Championship in 2021/22.

The 25-year-old is renowned for his excellent defensive awareness and his leadership on the pitch. He is predominantly viewed as a centre back, but is blessed with versatility and can easily slot into the left back position, meaning he could emerge as a competitor to Lewis Hall, Dan Burn or Matt Targett next term.

Mail Sport claims Newcastle are hopeful of having the deal for Kelly concluded this week while transfer guru Fabrizio Romano adds that the deal is ‘almost there.’

Verdict: If completed the signings of Lloyd Kelly and Tosin Adarabioyo would present shrewd business by Newcastle United after a season where they have been riddled with injuries.

Heading into the 23/24 campaign the failure to sign a centre back had been a concern and the lack of quality in that area, particularly in the second half of the season, has seen Newcastle leak way more goals than they had the previous year. The new European format, should Newcastle qualify, would see the Magpies play eight group stage games instead of six, which only amplifies the need for rotation and strength in depth.

Kelly and Adrabioyo, aged 25 and 26 respectively, are two players with top-flight experience, in the prime of their careers that are comfortably on the ball and both would arrive for a no transfer fee. This in turn allows Newcastle, in a world dominated by FFP, to now focus their budget on the more offensive areas of the pitch.