Lloyd Kelly has completed his move to Newcastle as a free agent.
The 25-year-old defender underwent a medical in London earlier this week and has signed a five-year deal, becoming Eddie Howe's first free agent signing of the summer, with an option to extend for a further year.
Kelly's contract with Bournemouth expires at the end of this month and he will move to St James' Park as a free agent.
Kelly becomes Eddie Howe's first signing of the summer. They held talks with former Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo, but the defender decided to move to Chelsea instead.
Kelly said: “It's amazing to be here. I know how big the club is and how much it means to all the fans. I just can't wait to get to work.”
“It’s a big move for me and my family. Of course it’s a bit different down south, but I think Newcastle has a great contrast between city life and the countryside.
“Coming here wasn't a difficult decision for me. Having worked with the manager before, I know what he wants from his players, how he wants them to play and I think it makes sense what I can bring. Quickly. “I want to get started.”
Manager Eddie Howe said: “We are absolutely delighted to have signed Lloyd. He is a player who has proven himself at Premier League level and we are confident he will be a huge help as we prepare for the new season.”
“Lloyd is a player I have admired since the beginning of his career. Alongside his unquestionable defensive ability, he offers versatility and leadership qualities that I believe will make him a great fit for our team and a player our supporters will quickly embrace.
“He already has a lot of Premier League experience, but Lloyd is still at an age where he can improve. He has a lot of potential and I’m really looking forward to working with him again.”
Why Newcastle Want Kelly
Sky Sports News reporter Mark McAdam:
“Newcastle are already busy in this summer’s transfer window, with Eddie Howe bringing in players from Bristol City who he already signed while at Bournemouth in the summer of 2019.
“He is a free agent so it will help him financially. At 25 he is the perfect age. It is a bit of a no-brainer as Howe is someone he knows and the player has worked with him before.”
“We know there is a lot of interest from Serie A, with several big Italian clubs tracking him and one or two clubs in the Premier League monitoring his situation, but Newcastle won the race to sign him. He has 120 goals in five seasons. He has plenty of top-flight experience, having spent a year with Bournemouth and appearing in 23 Premier League games last season.
“We know certain clubs have very strict financial criteria when it comes to PSR. He is versatile, athletic, stands 6ft 2ins tall and can play all over the backline.
“He was the former captain of Bournemouth, which shows a lot of his character and personality. He is a leader and a really popular player. He always trained hard there and gave everything for the football club.”
“He wants to join Newcastle as much as they want him to, so he can endear himself to the supporters. I think he could potentially be a really good signing for Newcastle.”
that much Summer transfer window 2024 The Premier League officially opens on Friday 14 June, the day Euro 2024 begins.
The period closes on 30 August at 11pm UK time.
The Premier League has brought forward its deadline to link up with other major leagues in Europe. The end date was decided following discussions with the English, German, Italian, Spanish and French leagues.
