Sunderland Eye Summer Move For This Former Newcastle United Defender: Why It Will Be A Complicated Deal | OneFootball

In one of his recent transfer updates on X, journalist Nicolo Schira has shared his insights on Sunderland target Lloyd Kelly. The Juventus centre-back has been on the radar of the Black Cats, Crystal Palace and Super Lig sides. But he prefers to stay in Turin, having featured regularly since leaving Newcastle United earlier this year.

The 26-year-old former England youth international progressed through the academy ranks of Bristol City, his boyhood club, and eventually secured a regular senior status in the Championship. Bournemouth splashed £13m to snap him up in the summer of 2019, but his minutes were limited due to persistent injury problems throughout the 2019-20 season.

The Cherries suffered relegation in 2020 but secured a top-flight return in two years. Kelly led them from the back week in and week out en route to scripting promotion, yet he chose to run his contract down and join the Magpies for free ahead of the 2024-25 season.

The Transfer Domino Effect

Having failed to stake a claim in Eddie Howe’s plan, Kelly plied his trade in Italy on an initial six-month loan, with an obligation to buy for €17.5m. The Old Lady triggered the clause in May, but is open to offers amid interest from Palace. They have identified Jakub Kiwior as his successor. Nevertheless, a formal bid has yet to be placed for the English defender.

ORLANDO, FLORIDA – JUNE 26: Savinho #26 of Manchester City is challenged by Lloyd Kelly #6 of Juventus FC during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group G match between Juventus FC and Manchester City FC at Camping World Stadium on June 26, 2025 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

While the Arsenal centre-half is no longer in Mikel Arteta’s plans following the arrival of Cristhian Mosquera, Juventus are not the only outfit to keep tabs on the Poland international. Portuguese giants Porto have made inquiries; however, Marc Guehi’s rumoured transfer to Liverpool could trigger a domino effect, leading to the Eagles’ official offer for Kelly.

Why Sunderland Are Aiming For Another Centre-back

Despite bolstering the backline by tying down Reinildo Mandava, Arthur Masuaku, Omar Alderete and Nordi Mukiele, Sunderland should step up the chase for the ex-Magpies star for his experience in English football. Predominantly a centre-back, Kelly has also been deployed as a left fullback. But the addition of Reinildo and Masuaku makes them well-equipped down the left, even though Dennis Cirkin is still rehabbing from a wrist injury.

Mukiele has not played a lot in recent years and could challenge and cover Trai Hume on the right. Alderete has been the only outright central defender roped in this summer, and injuries to skipper Luke O’Nien, Leo Hjelde and Aji Alese, along with Nectarios Triantis’ transfer to Minnesota United, further decimate the Wearsiders in deep defence.

Jenson Seelt was handed a surprise start against West Ham after an impressive pre-season. Nevertheless, Kelly’s spell across Tyne and Wear could make the move even more intriguing before the window is slammed shut. It remains to be seen now whether the Juventus ace changes his mind and the Premier League newcomers table an offer in due time.