Newcastle have completed the signing of Bournemouth defender Lloyd Kelly on a free transfer.
Kelly, who spent the last five years with the Cherries after joining from Bristol City, saw his contract set to expire at the end of the month. The Magpies acted swiftly to secure his signature, announcing his arrival on Thursday.
Commenting on his move, Kelly said: “It’s amazing to be coming here. I know how big the club is and how much it means to all the fans, and I just want to hit the ground running and get to work.
“It’s a big move for myself and the family – of course, being down south is a bit different – but I think the city of Newcastle is amazing, with the contrast between city life and the countryside.
“It wasn’t a hard decision for me to come here. Working with the gaffer previously, I know what he wants from his players and how he wants his players to play, and I think with what I can bring it just makes sense. I just can’t wait to get started.”
Manager Eddie Howe expressed his satisfaction with the signing, stating: “I’m really pleased to have secured Lloyd’s signature. He’s a player who’s proven himself at Premier League level, and I’m certain he’ll be a great addition as we prepare for the new season.
“Lloyd is a player I’ve admired since the early stages of his career. Alongside his undoubted defensive ability, he brings versatility and leadership qualities that I believe will make him a great fit within our squad and somebody our supporters will quickly take to.
“He has plenty of Premier League experience already under his belt, yet Lloyd’s at an age where he can still develop. He has a lot of potential, and I’m really looking forward to working with him again.”
Howe, who managed Bournemouth across two separate spells between 2008 and 2020, is a long-term admirer of Kelly.
Kelly made 23 league appearances for Bournemouth in the 2023-24 season and is capable of playing both center-back and left-back. His addition will bolster Newcastle’s defensive ranks after center-backs Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles both picked up ACL injuries in the final months of the season that are set to rule them out until the end of 2024.
