Newcastle United are reportedly contemplating signing Bournemouth defender Lloyd Kelly in the summer.
The defender, 25, is out of contract at the Vitality Stadium at the end of the 2023/24 season and is emerging as one of the most coveted free agents of the summer. It remains to be seen whether he will sign a new contract with the Cherries, but for now, the 25-year-old is eligible to talk to foreign clubs and sign a pre-contract agreement before the new season commences.
According to the Daily Mail, Newcastle United are among a host of clubs interested in signing Lloyd Kelly on a potential free transfer from Bournemouth. AC Milan, VfB Stuttgart and AS Monaco are among the clubs understood to have made proposals so far for the Cherries defender, while Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool were keen on his signature in the January transfer window.
Kelly has made 119 appearances for Bournemouth during his five years, scoring two goals and registering seven assists. The defender has been a consistent performer this season and needs to stay fit to help Bournemouth enjoy a strong finish under Andoni Iraola.
Lloyd Kelly to Newcastle United—Good option?
Newcastle were hamstrung by financial restrictions in January but will be free to buy again from July and are also evaluating the market to see what cost-effective signings are available. Should they qualify for Europe again this season, the Toon Army’s financial situation would ease.
Eddie Howe’s side have been hampered by injuries this season, resulting in inconsistent performances. Defenders such as Dan Burn, Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles have spent periods on the sidelines at some point, leaving Eddie Howe to chop and change things constantly at the back. Thus, Newcastle’s interest in Bournemouth defender Lloyd Kelly makes sense.
Kelly fits that profile at St James’ Park and is well known by Eddie Howe from his time in charge at Bournemouth. He can operate comfortably at both centre-back and left-back and would give flexibility to Newcastle’s defence if they manage to acquire his signature. The Magpies need to bring in an alternative to the ageing Dan Burn and Kelly could prove to be the ideal player.
The 25-year-old would add experience, solidity and versatility to the Magpies squad hoping to bounce back from a disappointing 2023/24 season. Kelly will enter the peak years of his career and would add quality depth to Howe’s squad. The former under-21 England international would feel the time is right to leave Bournemouth and the opportunity to reunite with Howe at Newcastle will be a tempting proposition for him.
Thus, the Magpies must do their best to sign Kelly from Bournemouth in the summer.
