The Magpies only signed Lloyd Kelly last summer, with the defender arriving on a free transfer from Bournemouth
It looked like smart business from Newcastle United. Kelly could play at centre-back and left-back, while he had history with Eddie Howe from their time together with the Cherries.
But we never saw the best of Lloyd Kelly in a Newcastle United shirt, with opportunities limited.
Now he has left, with Kelly joining Juventus on loan. The deal includes an obligation to buy for £20million in the summer, as Newcastle boost their PSR position.
We were very reluctant from our side. Lloyd is a player who has just recently signed and we believed in him and his qualities. Slightly frustrating for him that he hadn’t played more, in part down to the other players around him.
“But we are in the world and we have been in this window of trying to manage PSR and trying to make decisions that will benefit us in the long term. This is one of those decisions.
“Lloyd leaves with our best wishes. He was certainly exemplary in his attitude in his time here. I’m sure he’ll do well in Italy and it’s an exciting challenge for him.”
Good opportunity for Newcastle United and Lloyd Kelly
In a perfect world, Newcastle would not have let Kelly go. He would have stayed and continued to be a valuable squad player for Eddie Howe.
It looked like smart business from Newcastle United. Kelly could play at centre-back and left-back, while he had history with Eddie Howe from their time together with the Cherries.
But we never saw the best of Lloyd Kelly in a Newcastle United shirt, with opportunities limited.
Now he has left, with Kelly joining Juventus on loan. The deal includes an obligation to buy for £20million in the summer, as Newcastle boost their PSR position.
Eddie Howe explains Newcastle United’s Lloyd Kelly decision
Eddie Howe has now addressed Kelly’s departure for the first time, admitting that the club had to make a decision due to PSR.
Ahead of Newcastle’s game against Arsenal, Howe spoke to the media and was asked about the decision to let Kelly go.
“I don’t think it was necessarily my decision to let him leave,” he said.
“We were very reluctant from our side. Lloyd is a player who has just recently signed and we believed in him and his qualities. Slightly frustrating for him that he hadn’t played more, in part down to the other players around him.
“But we are in the world and we have been in this window of trying to manage PSR and trying to make decisions that will benefit us in the long term. This is one of those decisions.
“Lloyd leaves with our best wishes. He was certainly exemplary in his attitude in his time here. I’m sure he’ll do well in Italy and it’s an exciting challenge for him.”
Good opportunity for Newcastle United and Lloyd Kelly
In a perfect world, Newcastle would not have let Kelly go. He would have stayed and continued to be a valuable squad player for Eddie Howe.
But Newcastle had to take the opportunity that was presented to them. To receive £20million for a player who arrived just a few months ago on a free transfer is outstanding business.
It is a risk, but one the club feel is worth taking. While Newcastle will not have limitless funds in the summer, they will be able to overhaul their squad with multiple new signings.
From Kelly’s perspective, it is also a great opportunity. It is understandable that he would be frustrated by his lack of minutes at St James’ Park.
Now he has got a move to Juventus, who are one of the biggest clubs in world football. It is an incredible move for him. Hopefully he does well, and Newcastle United fans will join Eddie Howe in wishing Kelly the best as he embarks on a fresh challenge in Italy
Newcastle United are left to pick up the pieces after failing to sign anyone in the January transfer window.
If Newcastle United had not sold Miguel Almiron and Lloyd Kelly, the transfer window would have been considered a complete disaster by fans.
With the summer transfer a few months away, a bizarre new report has suggested what Newcastle plan to do if they sell Alexander Isak.
- Newcastle United January transfer window done deals: Confirmed signings, exits and loan departures for Eddie Howe’s side
Newcastle see Justin Kluivert as Alexander Isak replacement
Bournemouth attacker Justin Kluivert is having a spectacular season for the Cherries. So far this campaign, Kluivert has 15 goal involvements including a hat-trick against Newcastle in their defeat to Bournemouth at St James’ Park in January.
According to SunSport, Newcastle have kept a close watch on Kluivert in his last five Bournemouth games and has been very impressed by his performances
The report states that Arsenal are also monitoring Kluivert. Howe is set to be in a ‘massive fight’ to keep hold of Isak past the summer as he is wanted by Arsenal and shockingly, Barcelona.
The Swede has scored 17 Premier League goals this season but is open to staying at Newcastle if they can qualify for Champions League football.
Justin is the son of former Newcastle man Patrick Kluivert, who scored 13 goals in his one season at the club.
Newcastle fans and staff love Isak and hope to keep him at the club for many years. They must now tie him down to a new deal to deter any interest.
The Magpies top scorer has his fair share of demands, however. Isak wants to be Newcastle’s top earner and to wear Callum Wilson’s number nine shirt – Wilson is out of contract at the end of the season, so that could become a reality if the club decide to release him.
Newcastle fans will hope that the Swede’s desire for Champions League football will make him keep pushing to get the Magpies back there after missing out on it this season.
