Newcastle United confirm Lloyd Kelly transfer terms as late paperwork worry avoided
Newcastle United have made it clear that Juventus have an obligation to sign Lloyd Kelly at the end of the season.
It is believed that the Magpies picked up a loan fee of around £3million but the fee will rise to £20m once it becomes permanent. Kelly passed his medical last night and the delay in the transfer being announced is said to be down his paperwork being processed in the UK before being sent to Turin.
A Newcastle statement read: "Lloyd Kelly has completed a loan move to Italian Serie A side Juventus, subject to international clearance.
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"Juventus have an obligation to make the transfer permanent this summer for an undisclosed fee. The defender, who arrived at St. James’ Park from AFC Bournemouth at the end of his Cherries contract in summer 2024, has made seven starts for the Magpies in all competitions this season, with a further seven substitute appearances. Newcastle United thanks Lloyd for his efforts and wishes him well in Turin."
Kelly only arrived from AFC Bournemouth in the summer, but his departure sees around £150,000 per week shaved off the club's wage bill. It will also save a total of around £7m a year with Newcastle giving Kelly top terms when he signed last June when the enhanced wages were deemed worth it given the nature of his arrival on a free transfer.
It is also understood that Kelly was left impressed by Juventus' efforts to sign him after they sent a representative to London to conclude the deal before whisking him to Turin via a private plane. However, the defender's move appeared uncertain midway through transfer deadline day as Italian reports suggested visa issues threatened to derail the move.
Any paperwork problems were swiftly rectified and Kelly joins the Serie A side after weeks of speculation. The former Bournemouth star made 14 appearances for the St James' Park outfit following his summer switch.
