Newcastle United Are Close To Finalising A Move For This Bournemouth Defender: Decent Signing For Howe? | OneFootball

In a recent tweet, journalist Daniele Longo claimed that Newcastle United are close to finalising a move for Bournemouth defender Lloyd Kelly this summer. It has been mentioned that the Magpies are close to recruiting the English centre-back on a free transfer in this transfer window.

Kelly has been a solid presence on the defensive end of the field but missed a lot of games for the Cherries due to injuries. The 25-year-old has participated in 25 matches for Bournemouth this season, netting one goal and picking up one assist in multiple competitions.

The English talent has been a rock at the back and deserves a lot of credit for averaging 1.0 tackles, 0.6 interceptions and 2.6 clearances per 90 minutes in the Premier League. He has even been tidy when distributing possession from the back based on his pass success rate of 77.6% in the English top tier (stats via whoscored).

His current contract at the English club will expire at the end of this month which could open the door for the Magpies to snap him up on a free transfer later this year.

Bournemouth’s English defender #05 Lloyd Kelly celebrates after scoring the opening goal of the English FA Cup fourth round football match between Bournemouth and Swansea City at the Vitality Stadium in Bournemouth, southern England on January 25, 2024. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS / AFP)

Will Kelly Be A Good Signing For Newcastle United?

Kelly can get stuck in with a few solid tackles to make life difficult for the opposition attackers. He can make some important interceptions inside his half and usually puts his foot through the ball when needed. The English sensation is even proficient at playing his way out from the back. Standing at 1.90m, he can use his strong frame to win a few 50-50 duels in the air.

We can expect Kelly to bring more bite and steel to Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe’s defence. He has what it takes to help the Magpies compete across all fronts in the coming years.

At 25, Kelly is about to enter his prime and is set to become a free agent. Hence, he would be an excellent signing for the Tyneside club to pursue this summer. The Bournemouth defensive ace already knows the Premier League well and won’t take much time to settle into life at St. James’ Park if Newcastle can find a way to land him in this summer transfer period.