Lloyd Kelly has officially made his debut for Juventus after leaving Newcastle United.
Eddie Howe must deal with the consequences of letting a squad player leave midway through a season, although it was not a decision he wanted to make.
Lloyd Kelly left Newcastle United in January after growing unhappy with his minutes at the club. Kelly signed a five-year deal at Newcastle in the summer and club figures had high hopes for him. However, it did not work out for the 26-year-old who only made 14 appearances under Howe before moving to Italy.
After playing 45 minutes in his debut against Como, Italian media were unimpressed with Kelly as they believed he did not give ‘confidence’ to the Old Lady’s back line.
Juventus are adamant Kelly will be a success, but it may take time for him to fully settle in. The Serie A giants have an obligation to buy Kelly in the summer, a deal that could be worth around £17m. Sporting director Paul Mitchell included a sell-on clause in Kelly’s deal which could see the Magpies bag further millions down the line.
As the dust settles on Kelly’s first Juventus appearance, Thiago Motta has given his verdict on his appearance.
- READ MORE – How the Newcastle United players have reacted after selling Miguel Almiron and Lloyd Kelly
Thiago Motta on Lloyd Kelly debut
While Italian media believe Kelly’s debut was not one to remember, he still helped his new side come from behind to beat Como 2-1 on Friday night.
Kelly was supported by Newcastle players on social media after he had posted to celebrate his debut. The likes of Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton all left likes on his post.
Post-match, Juventus boss Thiago Motta was asked about Kelly’s debut.
“Lloyd very good,” he said.
“First of all, he is a fantastic singer (proven by his initiation).
“He is a shy boy, he came in the right way. Physically he is very good, he can play as a central defender and also as a full-back. I saw him with great confidence. He suffered some fouls, but just like all the others who arrived.”
Lloyd Kelly exit allows Newcastle to spend in the summer
Newcastle decided against spending in the January transfer window despite Howe’s desire to improve the squad to prevent it from going ‘stale’.
PSR has been a problem for the club in the last 12 months, it has hampered their transfer plans and forced them to sell young assets that looked set for bright futures at the club.
After Kelly and Miguel Almiron were sold, Newcastle can now afford to sign a £70m star – a similar fee Newcastle bid for Marc Guehi in the summer.
Newcastle are expected to spend in the summer after Mitchell opted to save the Magpies pennies for the end of the season where there could be much more attractive options available.
Mitchell will be under pressure to deliver for Newcastle after a shaky start to life on Tyneside.
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