‘Most disastrous signing’: Newcastle United loanee told he’s ‘frankly embarrassing’

The trajectory of Lloyd Kelly’s career has taken another dramatic turn as the defender prepares to complete his permanent move from Newcastle United to Juventus – a transfer that leaves all parties with more questions than answers.

What began as an exciting free transfer reunion with Eddie Howe has deteriorated into what Italian media now label “the most disastrous signing in Juventus history,” leaving the 26-year-old’s reputation in tatters across two European leagues.

Kelly arrived at St James’ Park last summer with reasonable expectations – not as a guaranteed starter but as a versatile defensive option capable of covering multiple positions.

Howe’s prior experience working with the center-back at Bournemouth suggested a safe bet, yet the reunion failed spectacularly. Despite flashes of competence, Kelly never established himself as a reliable Premier League performer, making just 14 appearances before January’s loan exit.

Newcastle’s decision to cash in for £20 million represents astute business for a player who contributed minimally on the pitch. Sporting director Paul Mitchell deserves credit for extracting maximum value from an underwhelming signing, though the deal raises questions about the club’s recruitment strategy. For Juventus, however, the transaction increasingly looks like a costly mistake.

Italian journalists have subjected Kelly to relentless criticism since his arrival in Turin. Gazetta dello Sport’s Mimmo Cugini delivered the most scathing assessment: “Considering what they paid for him, I think he is the most disastrous signing in Juventus history. He is frankly embarrassing.

I’ve seen him do things we humans have never seen on a football field.” These comments followed a particularly error-strewn performance against Parma that cemented Kelly’s status as the Old Lady’s new whipping boy.

The defender’s struggles transcend typical adaptation periods. Even in victories, like Juventus’ 2-1 comeback against Como, Kelly faced harsh scrutiny. His Champions League debut against PSV Eindhoven drew further condemnation, with critics highlighting his difficulties containing Johan Bakayoko.

The timing couldn’t be worse – Kelly joined a club in turmoil, with manager Thiago Motta sacked shortly after his arrival and replaced by Igor Tudor.

Compounding these on-field issues, Kelly now faces an extended spell on the sidelines after suffering a hamstring injury against Monza in late April. Medical tests revealed a “low-grade lesion of the biceps femoris,” with recovery timelines remaining uncertain.

This setback threatens to derail any momentum Kelly might have built under Tudor’s new system, leaving him in limbo ahead of his permanent transfer.

The move’s financial particulars reveal surprising details about Kelly’s commitment to leaving Newcastle. Reports indicate the defender accepted reduced wages to facilitate the Juventus switch – a decision that appears increasingly misguided given his reception in Italy.

While some players thrive under pressure at elite clubs, Kelly’s confidence looks shattered at precisely the moment he needs it most.

For Newcastle, this saga offers valuable lessons about squad building. Free transfers often represent low-risk opportunities, but Kelly’s case demonstrates how even “safe” signings can go awry.

The Magpies must refine their approach to backup players – particularly those reuniting with former managers, where sentiment sometimes clouds judgment.

As Kelly prepares to complete his controversial move, all eyes will be on whether he can salvage his Juventus career. History suggests Italian fans rarely forgive poor first impressions, and with the club’s demanding supporters already turned against him, the road to redemption looks steep.

One thing seems certain: Newcastle have dodged a bullet by securing £20 million for a player who failed to make his mark in England and now struggles to convince in Italy.

This transfer story serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of moves that look good on paper but unravel on the pitch. For Kelly, the coming months represent perhaps his final chance to prove he belongs at football’s highest level.

For Newcastle and Juventus, it’s a reminder that even the most logical transfers can go spectacularly wrong.