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Juventus have bought defender Lloyd Kelly from Newcastle United. They activated a clause to make the loan transfer permanent. The deal cost €17.5 million, with a chance for €6.5 million more in add-ons.
WHAT HAPPENED?
Lloyd Kelly is now a Juventus player. The team triggered the obligation to buy clause in his loan contract. The 26-year-old joined on loan in January 2025 from Newcastle United. His contract had a clause to make the switch permanent if specific conditions were met. These conditions were fulfilled after Kelly played 13 matches, which includes 10 in Serie A, 2 in the Champions League, and 1 in the Coppa Italia.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
The transfer became permanent when Kelly played a set number of games, not because Juventus qualified for the Champions League. Newcastle United have already received €3 million from the loan. Now they will get another €14.5 million, payable over three years. Performance bonuses could add extra money. Kelly joined Newcastle as a free transfer in 2024, and moved to Italy this year.
Juventus are fourth in the Serie A, equal on points with Roma and Lazio, as they try to qualify for the Champions League. Signing Kelly boosts their defense for the rest of the season. But Kelly has a femoral biceps injury, making him unavailable for now.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR KELLY AND JUVENTUS?
Kelly is with Juventus until at least 2028. His main focus is recovering from his thigh injury and becoming a key defender in Igor Tudor’s team. The €17.5 million payment shows Juventus really trust the player despite his injury. For Newcastle, this is their first confirmed departure of the summer, giving them money to buy new players.
Juventus have a big challenge at the end of the Serie A season. With three matches to play, they are fourth, battling Roma and Lazio for a place in the Champions League. Signing Kelly permanently shows the club are serious about getting stronger for next season’s Serie A and European competitions.
