Leeds United have now expressed a “concrete interest” in signing Lloyd Kelly, in a new update regarding the defender’s future at Juventus.
Former AFC Bournemouth player Kelly has been plying his trade in Serie A since signing for Juventus in the January 2025 transfer window, where his performances have been praised by commentator Adam Summerton.
However, the centre-back has already been linked with a return to the Premier League, with former club Newcastle United reportedly in a good position to sign him, with the likes of Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest also waiting in the wings.
Football Fancast Verdict | |
|---|---|
reliability | Leeds may need to sign a new defender in the coming weeks, with Pascal Strujk widely reported to be closing in on a move to Brighton. Los Blancos were ultimately forced to sign the 26-year-old to avoid losing him on a free transfer when his contract expires next summer. |
finances | Juventus are expected to ask £30m for Kelly, which would be a reasonable price for Leeds as they are expected to raise £20m from the sale of Strujk. |
insight | Journalist Josh Bunting praised the former Juventus player, who played 35 games in Serie A last season, as “fantastic”. The former Newcastle man also has experience in the Premier League, making 64 appearances for the Magpies and Bournemouth. |
impact | Like Stryke, Kelly is left-footed and could potentially replace the Dutchman in the heart of Daniel Farke’s defence. |
Leeds show ‘specific interest’ in Lloyd Kelly
Journalist Marco Conterio has dropped an update on Kelly’s future, saying he could leave Juventus in the summer transfer window and that he has received “concrete interest” from Leeds.
However, alongside the aforementioned English suitors, unknown Spanish clubs could also be competing for his signature.
Lloyd Kelly could be ready to return to the Premier League
The 27-year-old has really developed since his move to Italy, ranking very high in the Juventus squad in a number of important metrics in Serie A last season.
Play time 2,998 minutes (3rd place)
54.3 accurate passes per 90 (2nd place)
3.5 clearance per 90 (3rd)
0.5 block per 90 (2nd)
The Juventus star was also praised by Eddie Howe for his performance at St James’ Park, with the Newcastle boss saying: “He had a really positive influence on the group.
“I was really impressed with his performance, especially when he came on in a difficult situation for us. I would say he’s ready and pushing to start.”
Additionally, the fact that Kelly is left-handed is an added bonus, indicating that he could be the ideal successor to Streich.
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