How the Italian media reacted to Lloyd Kelly’s debut for Juventus after leaving Newcastle United
Lloyd Kelly has officially made his Juventus debut after departing Newcastle United, a move that came despite Eddie Howe’s reluctance to let him go just six months after signing him.
The defender was eager to make the switch to Italy, and with Juventus pushing for the deal before the January transfer window closed, Newcastle ultimately sanctioned the move. His exit leaves the Magpies with limited depth in defense, but they remain focused on their ambitions for the season.
While Kelly’s transition to Juventus marks a new chapter in his career, reports from Italy suggest he may not feature prominently in the starting lineup.
The Serie A giants have the option to make his loan deal permanent in the summer, a move that could secure Newcastle an additional £17 million—a significant financial boost ahead of next season’s PSR deadline.
Despite concerns over the squad’s depth, Newcastle players remain confident in their ability to compete for silverware, undeterred by the challenges posed by Kelly’s departure.
Making his debut away to Como, Kelly took to the pitch at halftime, replacing Nicolo Savona and slotting in at left-back. Juventus, trailing at the break, managed to turn the game around and secure a 2-1 victory.
However, his performance did not leave a strong impression on Italian media, with Calciomercato giving him a 5/10 rating. The post-match analysis criticized his impact, describing his execution as lacking and stating that he failed to instill confidence in the backline.
Statistically, Kelly had a mixed outing in his 45-minute spell. He recorded 24 touches, completed two touches in the opposition box, and made eight successful passes at a 57% accuracy rate.
Defensively, he contributed with one blocked shot, one clearance, and won three out of his five duels. While these numbers suggest some level of contribution, his overall performance did not meet the expectations of fans and analysts.
CBS reporter Matteo Bonetti further highlighted his struggles, noting that Como winger Gabi Strefezza frequently outmaneuvered him during the second half.
Despite a lackluster debut, Newcastle supporters will hope Kelly can settle into the Serie A environment and elevate his performances, increasing the likelihood of Juventus exercising their option to sign him permanently.
His departure may have been necessary for his own career growth, as he struggled to secure a regular starting spot under Howe, but Newcastle will be closely monitoring his progress. If he impresses in the latter half of the season, the move could ultimately work in favor of both clubs.
Juventus’ pursuit of Kelly was persistent, as the club remained determined to land him even after their initial attempts were rejected. Newcastle ultimately agreed to the deal, securing an immediate financial boost with an initial £3 million from the loan arrangement.
This figure adds to the £8 million generated from Miguel Almirón’s transfer, helping Newcastle manage their financial fair play obligations.
Juventus made their intentions clear when announcing Kelly’s signing, praising his dynamism, speed, and agility. These attributes were key factors in their decision to bring him in, as they believe he can provide valuable versatility in their defensive setup.
Kelly, on the other hand, left Newcastle in search of more consistent playing time, something he hopes to achieve in Italy. While his first outing in black and white may not have been ideal, Juventus fans will be eager to see if he can bounce back and prove himself as a valuable asset.
For now, the focus remains on his adaptation to the team and whether he can establish himself as a reliable option in Juventus’ backline. The coming months will determine whether his time in Turin is a brief loan spell or the start of a permanent chapter in Serie A.
Newcastle, meanwhile, will be watching closely, knowing that his performances could directly impact their financial strategy heading into the next transfer window.