Juventus have bolstered their defensive ranks with the signing of Newcastle United center-back Lloyd Kelly on loan for the remainder of the season. The Italian giants confirmed the deal on Monday, marking a strategic move to strengthen their backline amid an injury crisis.
The agreement includes a loan fee of €3 million ($3.09 million), with an obligation for Juventus to make the transfer permanent for €14.5 million, provided certain performance-related conditions are met. Kelly, who joined Newcastle from Bournemouth on a free transfer last June, has made 10 Premier League appearances this season, though six of them came as a substitute. The 26-year-old, who has also earned 10 caps for England’s Under-21 team, is expected to bring much-needed depth and versatility to the Juventus defense.
Juventus welcomed their new signing with high praise, highlighting his experience, physicality, aerial dominance, and strong defensive awareness. With the club currently sitting fourth in the Serie A standings, seven points behind third-placed Atalanta and 14 behind league leaders Napoli, Kelly’s arrival is seen as a crucial addition to their squad.
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Coach Thiago Motta has been grappling with defensive setbacks, as captain Danilo recently departed by mutual consent, while key defenders Gleison Bremer and Juan Cabal are sidelined with anterior cruciate ligament injuries. Kelly’s signing is expected to provide immediate reinforcement as Juventus push for a stronger finish in the Serie A title race and their European ambitions.
With the transfer window heating up, Juventus fans will be eager to see how Kelly adapts to Italian football and whether he can cement his place in Motta’s starting lineup as the club aims to close the gap on their rivals.
