Lloyd Kelly will triple his wages once he signs for Newcastle United, with the Bournemouth defender set to move as a free agent.
According to Football Insider, Newcastle United are set to sign Lloyd Kelly imminently, and the defender will triple his wages once he arrives at St. James’ Park. The Bournemouth man will end his time at the club and move as a free agent once his contract expires at the end of the month.
Lloyd Kelly to triple his wages?
Around January, it became clear that Bournemouth did not have a chance to keep Lloyd Kelly beyond the summer. The Cherries still tried to offer him lucrative terms as he has proved his worth as an important part of Adoni Iraola’s side, but he reportedly declined multiple offers from the club.
Since then, Newcastle United have looked like the front-runner in bringing the free agent to the club, and Eddie Howe has been the driving force behind this transfer. While the 25-year-old Englishman was initially seen as a big addition to their defensive line, the serious injuries sustained by Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles at the end of the campaign made Kelly an essential signing for the Magpies.
After beating many other suitors, Newcastle United have a verbal agreement with Kelly to join the club on a free transfer. The 25-year-old defender will now receive a significant signing-on fee as well as wages in excess of £100,000-a-week, which will have seen him triple his current salary at Bournemouth.
Newcastle United also wanted Tosin Adarabioyo, who was also available as a free agent, but the Fulham man is joining Chelsea. Adding both defenders on a Bosman move would have helped Howe’s side immensely, considering they, too, have PSR-related problems. Still, the Magpies boss will be happy with the arrival of Kelly, who could be announced very soon as a Newcastle United player.
Kelly will be an important signing
Kelly offers versatility in the backline, and him being left-footed means he is restricted not only in central defence but can also play as a left-back. Howe wanted such a versatile defender in his ranks, and he initially sought an able cover for Botman and Dan Burn. With Lewis Hall showing he is capable of deputising for the latter, Kelly will certainly compete with the former.
Barring another big left-sided centre-back addition by Newcastle, Kelly will be expected to begin the new season alongside Fabian Schar at the heart of the defence. Due to the modest experience he has in the Premier League and the low cost of acquisition, the 25-year-old Englishman is a wise addition to the Magpies.
