Newcastle United Are Eyeing A Summer Move For This Bournemouth Defender: Decent Fit For Howe? | OneFootball

In a recent report, The Northern Echo stated that Newcastle United are eyeing a summer move for Bournemouth defender Lloyd Kelly. It has been claimed that the Magpies are eager to seal a move for the English centre-back in the summer.

Kelly’s Decent Form At The Vitality Stadium This Season

Kelly is enjoying a solid campaign at the English club after producing a string of solid performances at the heart of their backline. The 25-year-old has participated in 20 matches for the Cherries this season, finding the back of the net on one occasion and picking up one assist in all competitions.

The English talent has given a good account of himself on the defensive end of the field and has done well to average 1.3 tackles and 2.6 clearances per 90 minutes in Premier League football. He has even been accurate when distributing possession from the back after completing 76.4% of his attempted passes in the top tier of English football (stats via whoscored).

Kelly is under contract at the Vitality Stadium until the end of this campaign which could open the door for the Magpies to snap him up on a free transfer this summer.

LUTON, ENGLAND – APRIL 06: Lloyd Kelly of AFC Bournemouth during the Premier League match between Luton Town and AFC Bournemouth at Kenilworth Road on April 06, 2024 in Luton, England. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)

Is Kelly A Decent Fit For Newcastle United?

Kelly is a good tackler of the ball and can read the danger well to earn the ball back for his team inside his half. He doesn’t hesitate to clear the danger when needed and excels at playing his way out from the back.

Standing at 1.90m, the English sensation can use his strong frame to win a few 50-50 aerial duels for his team. Hence, he would be a good fit for Eddie Howe’s brand of football at Newcastle United. The talented centre-half is good enough to offer some healthy competition for Jamaal Lascelles, Sven Botman and Fabian Schar at St. James’ Park in the future.

Kelly would no doubt enhance the quality of the Tyneside club‘s defence. He will also help the Magpies compete across all fronts in the coming seasons. At 25, Kelly has got his peak years ahead of him. He is set to become a free agent which makes him a great option for Newcastle to consider when the transfer window commences later this year.