‘Here we go’ – Newcastle United have already secured 5-year deal with £8.5M Aston Villa transfer imminent

Fenerbahce, the prominent Turkish club, are closing in on the signing of a Premier League defender, but it is not Newcastle United’s Lloyd Kelly. Despite their interest, Fenerbahce’s pursuit of Kelly seems to have hit a dead end, prompting the club to shift their focus elsewhere.

Last week, Fenerbahce submitted a bid for Lloyd Kelly, only to have it swiftly rejected by Newcastle. Adding fuel to the speculation, Fenerbahce vice-president Acun Ilicah publicly acknowledged their interest in the 26-year-old defender, stating, “We are in talks for Lloyd Kelly transfer. He’s a player we’re interested in. If we can reach an agreement, we will transfer this player.”

This public declaration reportedly frustrated Newcastle, particularly head coach Eddie Howe, who criticized Fenerbahce for amplifying transfer rumors. Howe addressed the situation by clarifying that the narrative was entirely driven by the Turkish club, stating, “Whatever rumors you’re hearing are club-driven from Fenerbahce, not from the player. So I want to make that very clear.”

Lloyd Kelly, who joined Newcastle United on a free transfer last summer and signed a five-year contract, has been identified by Howe as an essential part of the team’s plans.

Despite limited playing time since his arrival, the manager has consistently reiterated his belief in Kelly’s potential and long-term value to the squad.

Meanwhile, Fenerbahce has shifted their attention to Aston Villa’s Diego Carlos as an alternative to Kelly. The Turkish side has reportedly agreed to an £8.5 million deal for the Brazilian defender, marking a decisive move in their search for defensive reinforcements.

Carlos, who previously attracted interest from Newcastle during the January 2022 transfer window, ultimately joined Aston Villa from Sevilla for a reported fee of £26 million. Since then, he has made 58 appearances for Villa, contributing one goal during his time at the club.

The news of Carlos’s impending transfer was confirmed by renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano, who reported that the deal has reached the “here we go” stage.

According to Romano, the Brazilian defender is set to fly to Istanbul to finalize the move, with the transfer fee expected to exceed €10 million. Aston Villa, in turn, are reportedly eyeing Loïc Badé as a potential replacement for Carlos.

While Fenerbahce’s pursuit of Kelly seems to have ended with their move for Carlos, interest in the Newcastle defender has not waned entirely. Serie A giants Juventus have reportedly entered the fray with a proposal to sign Kelly.

An initial loan offer from the Turin club was rejected by Newcastle, but reports suggest that Juventus plan to return with a new and improved bid.

This development underscores the growing recognition of Kelly’s abilities and potential across Europe. Despite his relatively limited involvement at Newcastle so far, his performances and reputation have attracted interest from high-profile clubs, a testament to the defender’s talent and promise.

For Newcastle, Kelly remains a valuable asset, and their decision to reject offers highlights their commitment to retaining him as part of their squad. Eddie Howe’s unwavering support for the player signals a belief in his long-term importance to the team’s defensive stability and future ambitions.

As the January transfer window progresses, the speculation surrounding Kelly’s future is likely to continue. However, Newcastle’s stance remains firm, and the player appears to be equally focused on proving his worth at St. James’ Park.

Whether Juventus or another club will succeed in tempting Newcastle to reconsider their position remains to be seen, but for now, Kelly’s immediate future appears to lie on Tyneside.

Fenerbahce’s quick pivot to secure Diego Carlos highlights the dynamic nature of the transfer market and the need for clubs to adapt swiftly when initial plans do not materialize.

For Newcastle, it serves as a reminder of the value placed on their players and the challenges of maintaining squad depth and stability in a highly competitive environment. With the window still open, further developments could reshape the landscape, but Newcastle’s resolve to keep their core players intact remains a key narrative.