LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 25: Football journalist Fabrizio Romano looks on during the Emirates FA Cup Final match between Manchester City and Manchester United at Wembley Stadium on May 25, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Michael Regan - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
Newcastle United have already been dealt a blow in this summer’s transfer window.
Indeed, the frustrating nature of the season just gone continued for Newcastle on Saturday, when they seemingly lost out to Chelsea in the race to sign Tosin Adarabioyo.
Despite the club feeling confident they would land the Fulham defender upon the expiration of his contract, the Blues have stepped in to hijack the deal.
That will no doubt be a blow to Eddie Howe, who was believed to want the 26-year-old to strengthen his defence next season.
Signing a Premier League-proven central defender about to enter his prime years on a free transfer looked like a fantastic opportunity, particularly given Newcastle’s FFP restraints.
However, what’s done is done now and, luckily, Fabrizio Romano has shared a more positive update for Newcastle fans.
Fabrizio Romano confirms Newcastle are about to sign Lloyd Kelly
Along with Adarabioyo, another free agent has been in talks with Newcastle.
Bournemouth’s Lloyd Kelly worked with Howe on the south coast and will be leaving The Cherries after his contract expired.
Newcastle were long thought to be the favourties to land Kelly and, thankfully, Romano believes any hijacking of the deal is incredibly unlikely now.
Speaking on a video posted on YouTube, Romano said: “I can confirm that Lloyd Kelly will be a Newcastle player next season, waiting to complete the agreement, but Lloyd Kelly already said yes to Newcastle.
“My information is that in that case, nothing crazy can happen anymore. In the case of Tosin Adarabioyo, the hijack from Chelsea has been completed. We wait for the formal steps, so let’s wait for that as I mentioned with free agents, many things can happen till the end, but the player is ready to say yes to Chelsea.”
Why Newcastle fans should be slightly worried about Lloyd Kelly
Given the Adarabioyo news, closing in on a signing is obviously a welcome boost.
However, despite Kelly clearly being rated by Howe, there’s something of a worry in regards to the defender.
Since joining Bournemouth from Bristol City in 2019, he has missed 81 games through a mixture of calf, hamstring and muscle injuries.
Considering the relentless injury crisis at St James’ Park last season, that does not make for pleasant reading.
Hopefully, things will be different for Kelly on Tyneside…
