Lloyd Kelly’s Juventus spell takes another twist as Newcastle United monitor loan clause

Juventus loanee Lloyd Kelly has a new manager to impress in Italy as his temporary Newcastle United exit takes a new twist. The Turin outfit this week parted ways with the man who brought the centre-back to Serie A – Thiago Motta – after a period of shaky results.

The head coach’s reign came to an end this week, with Igor Tudor being instantly drafted in as his replacement. Motta’s exit comes after heavy defeats to Atalanta and Fiorentina. The club were also dumped out of the Chanmpions League to PSV back in February and soon after Empoli brought their Coppa Italia journey to an end in a game in which Kelly featured.

Where Juventus finish this season matters to Newcastle, who continue to monitor Kelly’s time in Serie A. The Italian side have an obligation to buy the 26-year-old should they qualify for Europe and, despite Motta’s dismissal, currently sit fifth in the table, 12 points behind league leaders Inter.

Kelly has struggled to impress in his new surroundings since his January switch but will have a fresh start to impress, starting this weekend against Genoa. All eyes will be focused on whether the new boss has Kelly in his plans between now and the end of the campaign.

Kelly’s St James’ Park exit, after only a handful of months at Newcastle, came weeks before Eddie Howe’s squad was rocked by injuries at the back with Sven Botman and Lewis Hall sidelined. The Magpies’ head coach was reluctant to allow Kelly to depart in the first place but Juventus’ total £20m package upon completion of a permanent switch was too good for United to turn down.

“I’m excited,” Kelly said after his January switch was confirmed. “Of course, it’s going to be different, I’m going to have to adapt quickly but I’m looking forward to the challenge, I never say no to a challenge, so it’s something I’ll put my heart in. I’m sure we’ll be able to strive for good things for my time here.”