DONE DEAL: Lloyd Kelly signs a five-year contract with Newcastle.
On Thursday, June 13, Newcastle United confirmed the signing of defender Lloyd Kelly, a free agent. When Kelly’s contract with AFC Bournemouth expires on July 1, 2024, he will “officially” join the team.
The 25-year-old, who first took him to Bournemouth, will return with Eddie Howe, the manager of the Magpies, after five years with the Cherries.
Kelly’s signing represents Newcastle’s first summer transfer window addition in front of the 2024–2025 campaign. He will wear the number 25 shirt and has agreed to a five-year contract.
The former Cherry, who is capable of playing on the left side of the defense as well as in the middle of the line, is coming off of assisting Bournemouth in finishing in 12th place.
“It’s amazing to be coming here,” Kelly remarked in response to his transfer. I am aware of the club’s size and the significance it holds for all of the supporters. All I want to do is jump right in and start working. Having previously worked with the gaffer, I am aware of his expectations for his players’ performance.
Because of Jamaal Lascelles’ and Sven Botman’s long-term injuries, Newcastle is without center backs. Kelly fits Newcastle’s preferred 3-2-5 assault scheme because of his versatility, which allows him to play as a left-sided center-back in a back three or as a left-back in a back four. He is anticipated to be Dan Burn’s long-term replacement, adding pace to the defense and strengthening the unit’s resistance to counterattacks and one-on-one opportunities.
With Kelly’s arrival, Newcastle’s center backs will be younger on average—only Botman isn’t in his late 20s or early 30s. Kelly showed his skill and adaptability at Bournemouth despite a season marred by injuries. After recovering from a calf injury, he started five straight games, switching between central defense and left back, until suffering another injury to his muscles. He made 21 league appearances at the end of the season.
Kelly made over 50 appearances in the top division since moving from Bristol City to Bournemouth in 2019 for a fee of £13 million. Kelly’s new contract with Newcastle is set to expire at least in 2029, with an option for an extra year. He declined new contract offers from Bournemouth in order to optimize his earning potential.