What the Italian media are saying about former Newcastle star Lloyd Kelly after brutal Champions League exit
Lloyd Kelly’s journey to the Champions League was meant to symbolize a step up in his career, but his European aspirations have come to an abrupt halt.
After leaving Newcastle United in January to join Juventus on loan, the defender found himself on one of the grandest stages in football. Juventus, set to make the transfer permanent in the summer for £20 million, provided Kelly an opportunity to represent a historic club in Europe’s most prestigious competition. Yet, despite the initial promise, the dream turned sour in the playoff stage.
Kelly made a bold move in his career by agreeing to a wage cut to secure his loan to Juventus. This decision not only benefited the Italian giants but also handed Newcastle a significant Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) boost.
The financial relief from Kelly’s departure is expected to enhance Newcastle’s transfer capabilities during the upcoming summer window. For Kelly, however, the allure of playing Champions League football seemed worth the personal sacrifice.
His debut in Europe’s elite competition last week showed initial promise as Juventus secured a 2-1 victory over PSV Eindhoven in the first leg of their playoff clash.
Kelly featured prominently, contributing to a result that set up a crucial second-leg encounter in Eindhoven. However, the return leg proved disastrous for Juventus. Despite Kelly playing the full 120 minutes, Juventus fell to a 3-1 defeat after extra time, losing 4-3 on aggregate and exiting the Champions League earlier than anticipated.
The elimination was a bitter pill to swallow for the Italian side, and Kelly’s performance drew mixed reviews from the Italian media. Calciomercato rated him 5.5/10, commenting on his performance as solid but noting that the complexity of the match increased rapidly.
They remarked on his efforts to form a defensive partnership with Gatti, which worked well initially but eventually unraveled under pressure. Similarly, Sportmediaset also awarded Kelly a 5.5/10, highlighting his strong start, including a critical block on Noa Lang and an important interception against Di Gregorio.
However, his struggles in the latter stages, particularly against De Jong, were evident as Juventus’ defense faltered.
For Kelly, this marks a disappointing end to his short-lived Champions League campaign. Having moved to Juventus with hopes of elevating his career, the early elimination denies him further opportunities to shine in Europe this season.
Nevertheless, his willingness to take on such a challenge and his performances in high-stakes matches suggest he has the resilience and talent to adapt and improve.
Interestingly, Kelly was not the only former Newcastle United player in Champions League action that evening. Observant viewers of the Paris Saint-Germain vs. Brest match might have recognized a familiar face in the Brest lineup.
The left-back for the away side, another player once associated with Newcastle, showcased how players from the club continue to make their mark on Europe’s grandest stage.
Despite Juventus’ disappointing exit, Kelly’s story reflects the ambition and risks associated with pursuing success at the highest levels of football.
While his immediate European journey has ended, the experience gained and the lessons learned could prove invaluable as he continues to establish himself in the demanding world of elite football.
For Newcastle, Kelly’s departure provides a financial boost and additional flexibility in their summer transfer plans, paving the way for their own ambitions in domestic and European competitions.