Lloyd Kelly has become a hero at Juventus with crucial goals in Serie A and the Champions League, raising questions about why Newcastle United sold him so soon after his arrival. His story is one of resilience and seizing opportunities.
It has been a whirlwind few days for Lloyd Kelly, the former Bournemouth and Newcastle United defender – the kind of week that transforms a player into a cult hero in the eyes of a club’s supporters. And this isn’t just any club; it’s Juventus, arguably the most iconic club in Italy and a European football powerhouse.
The sequence of events began on Saturday when Kelly scored his first goal for Juve, contributing to a thrilling 4-3 victory against Inter Milan in the prestigious Derby d'Italia. Then, on Tuesday, the former England Under-21 centre-back delivered a dramatic late equaliser in an incredible 4-4 draw at home against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League.
Kelly’s goal against Dortmund marked the first time an English player had found the net for the Italian club in the Champions League, and only the second Briton to do so, following Welshman Aaron Ramsey, who scored from a Cristiano Ronaldo free-kick in 2019.
The 26-year-old experienced a rollercoaster of emotions against Dortmund, initially giving away a penalty while his side trailed 4-2 in added time. However, the Old Lady rallied, scoring twice to secure a draw, with Kelly’s equaliser arriving in the 96th minute. This dramatic turn of events cemented his growing reputation among the Juventus faithful.
Four days prior, against Inter, Kelly opened the scoring at the Allianz Stadium – the first top-flight goal of his career – in his 22nd appearance for Juve in all competitions. This achievement made him the first English defender to score for the Turin club in Serie A.
Kelly, who joined Juventus in February, had previously failed to score in the Premier League during his time at Bournemouth or Newcastle. His previous goal, in a Cherries FA Cup tie, came 18 months ago. Now, with goals in back-to-back matches, he’s experiencing a remarkable run of form.
But how did a player who struggled for consistent game time at Newcastle find himself becoming a key figure at one of Europe’s biggest clubs? And why did Newcastle let him go in the first place?
Kelly’s journey to Juventus began with his move from Bournemouth on a free transfer in 2024. He arrived at St. James’ Park with a reputation as a versatile defender, capable of playing at centre-back and left-back. However, he faced intense competition for a starting spot.
Lewis Hall quickly established himself as the first-choice left-back, while Dan Burn solidified his position at left centre-back, limiting Kelly’s opportunities. When Kelly was given a rare start in his preferred central role, he unfortunately lost his man, leading to a goal for West Ham United in a 2-0 defeat – a moment that proved costly.
Despite his limited opportunities, Kelly’s departure allowed Newcastle to generate a substantial profit, having signed him on a free transfer. This financial benefit was crucial, particularly given the club’s need to comply with Premier League profit and sustainability rules (PSR). Selling Kelly helped Newcastle navigate these regulations and maintain a healthy financial position.
Juventus, on the other hand, saw potential in Kelly’s versatility, speed, and tactical awareness. The club’s scouting reports highlighted his ability to build play from the back and his effectiveness in aerial duels. However, his initial performances were met with criticism from some Italian journalists, who questioned his impact.
Despite early setbacks, Kelly has gradually won over the Juventus faithful with his consistent performances and, more recently, his crucial goals. Manager Igor Tudor has shown faith in the defender, making him a mainstay in the starting XI. Kelly’s transformation from a “benchwarmer,” as one journalist labelled him, to a Champions League hero is a testament to his resilience and determination.
The question remains: did Newcastle make a mistake in letting Kelly go? While the club’s financial considerations were understandable, Kelly’s recent form suggests he could have been a valuable asset at St. James’ Park. Only time will tell if Newcastle will regret their decision, but for now, Lloyd Kelly is enjoying a remarkable renaissance at Juventus.
Watch highlights of every Champions League game from 22:00 on Wednesday on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app. There will also be a Champions League Match of the Day on BBC One on Wednesday, from 22:40 to 00:00.