Juventus finally secured a move for Lloyd Kelly before the last transfer window closed, and the English defender will now aim to make a strong impression at his new club. The Bianconeri have had a challenging season in terms of squad depth, particularly in defence, as injuries have frequently disrupted their plans. This led them to prioritise defensive reinforcements in January, and Kelly was among the names they had been tracking for some time.
The former Bournemouth man had been on Juventus’ radar for a while, with the club monitoring his performances in the Premier League. When their initial transfer targets proved difficult to sign, they shifted their focus back to Kelly. However, negotiations were not straightforward. Newcastle initially rejected Juventus’ approach, making it clear they would only allow Kelly to leave on a permanent deal rather than a loan move. Despite this, Juventus persisted, and after further discussions, they eventually reached an agreement that suited all parties.
In the end, the Bianconeri were able to secure Kelly on a loan deal that included an obligation to buy at the end of the season. This means that while he is currently on a temporary deal, Juventus will be required to complete a full transfer once the season concludes. His arrival provides the club with much-needed depth in defence, particularly considering the number of injuries they have dealt with this term.
The financial details of the transfer have also been revealed. According to Calciomercato, Juventus agreed to pay a loan fee of €3 million for Kelly’s temporary move. The obligation to buy clause will then see the club pay a further €14.5 million in the summer, bringing the total cost of the transfer to €17.5 million. Given the financial constraints Juventus have faced in recent years, they will be hoping that Kelly proves to be a valuable addition who justifies the investment.
For Kelly, this move represents a significant step forward in his career. While he has experience playing in one of the world’s most competitive leagues, adapting to Serie A will be a new challenge. Juventus play with a different tactical approach compared to Premier League teams, and Kelly will need to adjust quickly to the demands of Italian football. However, if he settles in well and delivers strong performances, he could establish himself as an important figure in Juventus’ backline.
