Eddie Howe and Lloyd Kelly are reuniting at Newcastle United.
The pair worked together at Bournemouth, with Eddie Howe being the one that brought the defender to the Vitality Stadium.
Now they are together again, with Newcastle United officially announcing that Lloyd Kelly will join the club on a free transfer on July 1st.
It is a brilliant bit of business, with Howe getting the defender he has been craving ahead of this summer. As for Kelly, he gets his wish as he gets the chance to work with a manager that he respects so much.
The 25-year-old has signed a five-year deal with the Magpies, and becomes the first player through the door during what could be a very busy summer transfer window.
Eddie Howe is delighted as Newcastle United unveil Lloyd Kelly
The big appeal surrounding Kelly was the fact that he was available on a free transfer. But that is not the only reason that Howe wanted the defender to join his squad ahead of the 2024/25 season.
And the Newcastle manager has explained to the club’s official website exactly what Kelly will bring to the Magpies following confirmation of his arrival.
“I’m really pleased to have secured Lloyd’s signature,” he said.
“He’s a player who’s proven himself at Premier League level and I’m certain he’ll be a great addition as we prepare for the new season.
“Lloyd is a player I’ve admired since the early stages of his career. Alongside his undoubted defensive ability, he brings versatility and leadership qualities that I believe will make him a great fit within our squad and somebody our supporters will quickly take to.
“He has plenty of Premier League experience already under his belt, yet Lloyd’s at an age where he can still develop. He has a lot of potential and I’m really looking forward to working with him again.”
Lloyd Kelly is a shrewd signing
It is not a glamorous signing. Kelly has got plenty of Premier League and Championship experience, but has never really hit the headlines for being outstanding.
But just because it is not a glamorous signing does not mean it is not a good signing.
Kelly should prove to be a shrewd addition to this Newcastle United squad, with his versatility making him a valuable asset. Howe also appreciates his leadership skills, which is important for the club following Matt Ritchie and Paul Dummett’s departures.
And, as always is the case with Howe’s players, there is scope for Kelly to get even better. Howe believes the potential is still there, and it will be exciting to see him grow in a black and white shirt.
Kelly will wear number 25 for the Magpies.
What is next for Newcastle in the transfer window
Now the Kelly deal is complete, Newcastle can turn their attention elsewhere.
In terms of incomings, it looks like a goalkeeper is next on the agenda. The frontrunner to arrive at St James’ Park is James Trafford, with the 21-year-old keen to join the Magpies from Burnley.
It has been reported that personal terms have been agreed with Trafford, who would arrive as a backup for Nick Pope.
Newcastle also need to try and move some players on, with the club under pressure to sell before June 30th due to PSR. That is when clubs must submit their next set of accounts, and the Magpies reportedly need to cash in on someone to help balance the books.
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