A general view of Newcastle United supporters waiting outside the stadium for news of the latest developments in the sale of the club to the Saudi sovereign wealth fund for 300 million-pound ($408 million) takeover in Newcastle Upon Tyne, England Thursday Oct. 7, 2021. (AP Photo/Scott Heppell)
Lloyd Kelly, a defender, has been signed by Newcastle United on a free transfer, sources have told Football Insider.
Speaking on the most recent episode of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior journalist Pete O’Rourke disclosed that because Bournemouth won’t be getting a transfer fee, the deal won’t have a significant financial impact on the northeast giants.
O’Rourke clarified that while Eddie Howe has prioritized bringing in seasoned top-flight defenders this summer, the transaction is now “done” and “works perfectly” for the Tyneside team.
Tosin Adarabioyo was being offered a triple-your-money contract by Fulham, and Newcastle was expecting to sign him on a free transfer; but, the center-back chose to sign with Chelsea.
Lloyd Kelly to join Newcastle following injury woes
With Paul Dummett out of the picture and Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles both recuperating from lengthy injuries, Howe has been eager to add a new central defender.
Kelly, who Howe joined Bournemouth from Bristol City in 2019, would increase Newcastle’s number of British-born players and has some respectable Premier League experience.
The former England youth international showed promise in his 25 games last season, despite a few periods out. He can play left-back, which gives him options.
It is now anticipated that the center-back will finalize his transfer to St. James’ Park in the upcoming days as Howe attempts to bolster his defensive options.
