Deadline-day development at Newcastle United as deal is now close
Lloyd Kelly has successfully completed his medical at Juventus, with the finalization of his move from Newcastle United expected within hours. The defender traveled to Turin to complete the necessary formalities, following Newcastle’s approval of the transfer over the weekend.
His departure signals the end of his brief spell with the Magpies, having only arrived at the club last summer on a free transfer after leaving Bournemouth.
Kelly joins Juventus on an initial loan deal, which includes an obligation to buy next summer if certain conditions are met.
Newcastle’s ownership remains confident that those conditions will be fulfilled, effectively ensuring that Kelly has already played his final minutes in a Newcastle shirt.
His last appearance came when he was substituted on in the closing stages of the team’s home defeat to Fulham. The financial aspect of the transfer could see Newcastle receive around £20 million, marking a significant profit given that he joined as a free agent just months ago.
As the transfer window reaches its final hours, Newcastle is not expected to make any further moves. Kelly’s exit has solidified the club’s stance on retaining both Kieran Trippier and Matt Targett, despite interest from other clubs.
Galatasaray made an approach for Trippier last week, while Watford submitted a formal loan offer for Targett over the weekend. However, with Kelly’s departure thinning Newcastle’s defensive depth, Eddie Howe remains firm in his decision to keep both players at the club.
Newcastle’s cautious approach in this transfer window stems from ongoing financial constraints related to Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR).
With limited spending power available, the club’s recruitment team, led by sporting director Paul Mitchell, has decided against making any new signings before the deadline. Instead, they aim to preserve their financial flexibility for the summer window, when they expect to have more freedom to invest in reinforcements.
Kelly’s exit follows the recent departure of Miguel Almirón, further reducing squad depth without any immediate reinforcements.
Despite the need for additional defensive options, Newcastle remains committed to a long-term strategy that prioritizes financial stability over short-term fixes. The belief within the club is that holding off on new signings now will put them in a stronger position to make impactful acquisitions when the summer transfer window opens.
Juventus, on the other hand, secures an experienced defender who offers versatility and reliability. Kelly’s ability to play as a center-back or left-back provides Juventus with much-needed depth as they push for success in both domestic and European competitions. With his medical completed and final paperwork being processed, the move is expected to be officially confirmed soon.
As Newcastle heads into the latter half of the season, the decision to sell without reinvesting immediately presents a calculated risk. The club remains in contention for European qualification, and any injuries or suspensions could test the squad’s resilience.
However, the management believes that maintaining financial discipline now will prevent more drastic measures in the future. The departures of Kelly and Almirón demonstrate Newcastle’s willingness to make tough decisions in the short term to ensure long-term competitiveness.
With the transfer window closing, Newcastle’s focus shifts entirely to the pitch. Eddie Howe will have to navigate the remainder of the season with the current squad, relying on tactical adjustments rather than new additions.
The challenge lies in balancing ambitions for European qualification with the reality of a squad that has seen key departures but no immediate reinforcements. The summer window now becomes even more crucial, as Newcastle prepares to re-enter the market with greater financial flexibility and a clearer vision for the future.