In a recent interview with Give Me Sport, journalist Ben Jacobs stated that Bournemouth defender Lloyd Kelly is open to joining Newcastle United this summer. Jacobs said,
“We don’t know yet where Adarabioyo’s head lies. I’ve always been told that he’s quite happy in London, and Fulham will push to get him to extend. So that one’s not a given, and there’s not yet any indication whether he would pick Newcastle should an offer arrive.
“With Kelly, I am told that he’s open to moving to Newcastle. So, there’s a fair chance that Newcastle will get one of those two. If the opportunity presents itself to get both, then I think they will be able to move for both of them without worrying about overbuying in one area or the financial or wage situation. I think both of them will be within a budget if, as I say, the opportunity presents itself.”
Kelly’s Impressive Form In The Premier League This Season
Kelly is having a decent season at the Vitality Stadium after he produced a series of impressive displays for Bournemouth on the defensive end of the field. The 25-year-old has taken part in 22 matches for the Cherries during this campaign, registering one goal and one assist in various competitions.
The Bristol-born talent has been a dominant presence when defending inside his half as he is averaging 1.2 tackles, 0.5 interceptions and 2.6 dribbles per game in the Premier League. He has even been accurate when distributing possession from the back based on his pass success rate of 77.4% in the English top flight (stats via whoscored).
Should Newcastle United Boss Eddie Howe Move In For Kelly?
Kelly is a tough-tackling defender who can read the danger well to earn the ball back for his team inside his half. He doesn’t mind putting his foot through the ball when needed and can even play his way out from the back.
Standing at 1.90m, Kelly can use his robust frame to win a few 50-50 aerial duels for his team. He has also plenty of experience in Premier League football and won’t take much time to settle into life at Newcastle United.
Kelly would bring more bite and steel to Eddie Howe’s defensive department and could help the Magpies compete across all fronts in the future. Therefore, it makes sense for the Tyneside club to move in for the English centre-half later this summer.
