Eddie Howe admits £20m player has been frustrated at Newcastle United this season

Written on Tuesday, February 4 2025
James Rutherford

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Eddie Howe has spoken out about Newcastle United’s decision to sell Lloyd Kelly.

The Magpies only signed Lloyd Kelly last summer, with the defender arriving on a free transfer from Bournemouth.

It looked like smart business from Newcastle United. Kelly could play at centre-back and left-back, while he had history with Eddie Howe from their time together with the Cherries.

But we never saw the best of Lloyd Kelly in a Newcastle United shirt, with opportunities limited.

Now he has left, with Kelly joining Juventus on loan. The deal includes an obligation to buy for £20million in the summer, as Newcastle boost their PSR position.

Eddie Howe explains Newcastle United’s Lloyd Kelly decision

Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images

Eddie Howe has now addressed Kelly’s departure for the first time, admitting that the club had to make a decision due to PSR.

Ahead of Newcastle’s game against Arsenal, Howe spoke to the media and was asked about the decision to let Kelly go.

“I don’t think it was necessarily my decision to let him leave,” he said.

“We were very reluctant from our side. Lloyd is a player who has just recently signed and we believed in him and his qualities. Slightly frustrating for him that he hadn’t played more, in part down to the other players around him.

“But we are in the world and we have been in this window of trying to manage PSR and trying to make decisions that will benefit us in the long term. This is one of those decisions.

“Lloyd leaves with our best wishes. He was certainly exemplary in his attitude in his time here. I’m sure he’ll do well in Italy and it’s an exciting challenge for him.”

Good opportunity for Newcastle United and Lloyd Kelly

In a perfect world, Newcastle would not have let Kelly go. He would have stayed and continued to be a valuable squad player for Eddie Howe.

But Newcastle had to take the opportunity that was presented to them. To receive £20million for a player who arrived just a few months ago on a free transfer is outstanding business.

It is a risk, but one the club feel is worth taking. While Newcastle will not have limitless funds in the summer, they will be able to overhaul their squad with multiple new signings.

From Kelly’s perspective, it is also a great opportunity. It is understandable that he would be frustrated by his lack of minutes at St James’ Park.

Now he has got a move to Juventus, who are one of the biggest clubs in world football. It is an incredible move for him. Hopefully he does well, and Newcastle United fans will join Eddie Howe in wishing Kelly the best as he embarks on a fresh challenge in Italy.

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