Lloyd Kelly, Newcastle United’s first summer signing?
Newcastle United have already started the hunt for summer signings with the Magpies reaching a verbal agreement to bring in Lloyd Kelly from Bournemouth.
The 25-year-old English defender looks set to be Eddie Howe’s first arrival of the summer, following the conclusion of his contract at Bournemouth.
Kelly was brought to Bournemouth by Howe himself in 2019 and has gone on to make 139 appearances for the Cherries, however the versatile defender will be brought in for some much-needed strength in depth as Newcastle look to qualify for European football again.
He is a left footed player who can cover left back and centre back, comfortable on the ball as well as providing a strong ariel presence.
ACL injuries to Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles only increase the reasoning behind the capture.
Considering the strict financial rules Newcastle will have to abide to this window, free signings such as Lloyd Kelly will prove to be clever, neat business for the club who have rarely missed with signings since the takeover.
The only concerns surrounding the signing is Kelly’s injury record. He recently suffered a hip injury which has seen him miss 14 games since 17th February.
Kelly has missed at least ten matches in four out of the last five seasons, including 32 in 19/20.
Another name linked is Fulham’s Tosin Adarabioyo, who like Kelly, is out of contract in the summer.
The possibility that Newcastle bring both players in amidst interest from other top clubs can’t be ruled out, however Kelly currently appears the number one target.
