Tottenham Hotspur Are Long-term Admirers Of This Bournemouth Defender: Should Ange Snap Him Up? | OneFootball

In a recent report, journalist Pete O’Rourke revealed that Tottenham Hotspur are long-term admirers of Bournemouth defender Lloyd Kelly. It has been claimed that Spurs would have to rival AC Milan, Juventus and several other clubs in the race to land the English centre-back, who has refused to commit his future to the Cherries.

Kelly is having a solid campaign at the Vitality Stadium after putting in a handful of impressive displays for Bournemouth on the defensive third of the pitch. The 25-year-old has featured in 16 matches for the Cherries this season, scoring one goal across all competitions.

The English talent has been a dominant presence when defending inside his half as he is averaging 1.4 tackles, 0.5 interceptions and 2.3 clearances per game in the Premier League. He has even been excellent when distributing possession from the back based on his pass completion rate of 76.6% in the English first division (stats via whoscored).

Kelly’s current contract at Bournemouth will expire at the end of this campaign. Hence, Spurs could sign him on a free transfer in the summer.

Bournemouth’s English defender #05 Lloyd Kelly controls the ball during the English Premier League football match between Bournemouth and Tottenham Hotspur at the Vitality Stadium in Bournemouth, southern England, on August 26, 2023. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images)

Should Tottenham Hotspur Boss Angelos Postecoglu Snap Kelly Up?

Kelly is a tough-tackling defender who can time his challenges well to earn the ball back for his team inside his half. He doesn’t hesitate to put his foot through the ball when the opposition are on the front foot and can use his strong 1.90m frame to dominate the opposition attackers in the air. The English defensive ace is even proficient at playing his way out from the back. He mainly functions as a centre-half but can even fill in as a left-back if asked to do so.

Kelly is enjoying his football at Bournemouth right now. However, he is on an expiring contract which could open the door for Tottenham to sign him in the summer. The English sensation would inject more bite and steel into Spurs boss Angelos Postecoglu’s defence.

Kelly is good enough to help the North London club compete for a top-four spot in the Premier League over the next few years. At 25, the best is yet to come from the Bournemouth star, so Postecoglu should try and snap him up later this year.