Juventus have confirmed the signing of a ‘superstar’ player heavily linked with a move to Newcastle United, confirming an unlikely link-up with Lloyd Kelly.
The transfer window is in full swing, and Newcastle United are now making moves in a competitive market. It was evident from the final whistle of the final game of the season that the Magpies were going to be busy this summer, and business has picked up over the last week.
After confirming the signing of Antonio Cordero in June, Newcastle were dealt with multiple setbacks. Bryan Mbeumo priced Newcastle out of a deal while long-term target Joao Pedro rejected Eddie Howe for Enzo Maresca at Chelsea.
Despite that, the Newcastle boss has not given up and is now close to completing the signing of Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest. The Magpies tabled a £55m bid for the winger on Thursday, an offer which has been received well by Forest. With just a few details to iron out, Newcastle are closing in on their first major signing in almost two years.
While Newcastle’s luck appears to be turning, it has been confirmed that they have missed out on a player they were heavily linked with in January.
Jonathan David rejects Newcastle United for Juventus move
A long transfer saga has officially come to an end. Jonathan David was one of the hottest free agents in football, but now he has found his new club.
Newcastle were seriously interested in David, who would have made a great partner for Alexander Isak, but it was not to be, as it has been confirmed that he has signed for Juventus.
Referred to as a ‘superstar’ by many, Newcastle sent scouts to watch David at Lille and were convinced that they had enough to bring him to Tyneside. Newcastle scouts believed that Isak’s presence would help them bring a quality player like David to the club, but Juventus stole a march and took him away.
The striker was sensational in Ligue 1 and now has the opportunity to show the football world what he can do in another country. Juventus have struggled in the last few years, but signing a player like David shows that they are ready to reclaim their place at the top of Serie A.
Jonathan David will play with Lloyd Kelly at Juventus
Newcastle are still looking to sign a striker this summer and have been linked with Dominic Calvert-Lewin. Like David, the England international is a free agent after leaving Everton and is believed to have over a dozen clubs interested in him.
In the January transfer window, Lloyd Kelly left Newcastle for Juventus after struggling for game time under Howe. The 26-year-old has since played in the Champions League and has become a regular starter for the Old Lady. Kelly also recently played against Man City and Real Madrid in the Club World Cup, a bizarre move no Newcastle fan could have predicted at the start of last season.
Now, Kelly will likely be named in Juventus’ starting XI with David next season. In another reality, they could have both been lining up in the black and white of Newcastle, rather than that of Juventus.
While his permanent transfer has been confirmed, rumours in the Italian media suggested that Kelly could leave Juventus this summer, with Crystal Palace interested in a move. However, the Englishman has since confirmed his commitment to the Serie A giants and hopes to have a long and successful career in Italy.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
