Lloyd Kelly transfer U-turn as Newcastle United statement met with fresh claim

Just days after Newcastle United officially confirmed Lloyd Kelly’s permanent transfer to Juventus, fresh reports from Italy suggest the defender’s time in Turin may already be coming to an abrupt end.

The 25-year-old center-back, who joined the Italian giants on an initial loan deal in January with an obligation to buy under certain conditions, now faces an uncertain future as Juventus reportedly consider cutting their losses and moving him on immediately.

Kelly’s move to Juventus was contingent upon two key factors: the number of appearances he made and the club’s qualification for European competition.

Despite suffering a thigh injury that limited his involvement, the English defender managed 14 appearances across all competitions, helping Juventus secure a crucial fourth-place finish in Serie A – a result that ensured their Champions League participation next season.

This achievement triggered the automatic activation of his permanent transfer, with Newcastle’s official statement last week confirming: “Lloyd Kelly’s loan move to Juventus will become a permanent transfer for an undisclosed fee on 30th June.”

However, the permanence of this deal may prove short-lived. Italian journalist Giovanni Albanese of Sport Italia has revealed that Juventus are already exploring exit options for Kelly after an underwhelming six-month spell.

Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Albanese stated: “Juventus is ready to put Kelly back on the transfer market; he hasn’t convinced, so exit options will be considered.” This represents a dramatic reversal of fortunes for a player who only completed his move days earlier, and an even steeper fall from grace considering the high hopes surrounding his arrival.

Kelly’s time in Serie A has been nothing short of turbulent. While he contributed to nine wins in his twelve league appearances, his performances drew fierce criticism from supporters and pundits alike.

Some sections of the Italian media went as far as labeling him “the most disastrous signing in the history of Juventus” – a particularly damning indictment given the club’s storied history. This harsh assessment seems disproportionate when considering his actual contributions, but it highlights the intense scrutiny players face at one of Europe’s most demanding clubs.

The defender’s situation underscores the broader instability at Juventus, who are currently undergoing another transitional period. New head coach Igor Tudor, who guided the team to a strong finish after replacing Massimiliano Allegri, is believed to want to reshape the squad with his own signings.

Kelly, who was originally brought in under the previous regime, now finds himself potentially surplus to requirements before he’s even had the chance to properly settle.

From Bournemouth to Newcastle – And Now an Uncertain Future

Kelly’s career trajectory has taken several sharp turns in recent years. After establishing himself as a reliable Premier League defender under Eddie Howe at Bournemouth, he reunited with his former manager at Newcastle last summer, arriving on a free transfer.

However, opportunities at St. James’ Park proved limited due to the strong form of Dan Burn and Lewis Hall on the left side of defense. Despite making 15 appearances for the Magpies, Kelly struggled to cement a regular starting role.

When Juventus came calling in January, Newcastle initially resisted selling, but the deal negotiated by sporting director Paul Mitchell proved too good to refuse. The club secured a significant profit on a player they had acquired for free just months earlier, representing smart business from a financial perspective.

For Kelly, the move represented an exciting opportunity to reignite his career at one of Europe’s elite clubs. Instead, he now faces the prospect of searching for yet another new club before the season begins.

What Comes Next?

With Juventus preparing for their Club World Cup campaign in June, Kelly’s immediate future remains unclear. It’s uncertain whether he’ll even be included in the squad for matches against Al-Ain, Wydad AC, and Manchester City.

Should Juventus follow through on their reported plans to offload him, several potential destinations could emerge. A return to the Premier League seems plausible, with mid-table clubs likely to value his top-flight experience. Alternatively, moves to Germany or a return to Italy with a less pressurized environment could suit the defender.

For Newcastle, the situation serves as validation of their decision to cash in when they did. While they may have retained Kelly as squad depth, the financial gain from his sale provides additional flexibility in the transfer market.

As for Kelly himself, this latest twist represents another challenge in a career that has seen its fair share of ups and downs. Still only 25, he has time to rebuild his reputation – but his next move will be crucial in determining whether he can establish himself at the highest level or become another cautionary tale of a promising career derailed by circumstance.

The coming weeks will reveal whether Juventus follow through on their reported intentions or give Kelly another chance to prove his worth. Either way, this saga serves as another reminder of football’s unpredictable nature, where even permanent transfers can prove anything but.