COVENTRY, ENGLAND - APRIL 18: Lloyd Kelly and Dominic Solanke of Bournemouth after their sides 3-0 win during the Sky Bet Championship match between Coventry City and AFC Bournemouth at The Coventry Building Society Arena on April 18, 2022 in Coventry, England. (Photo by Robin Jones - AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)
Report: Bournemouth Star Attracts Big League Interest
The Rising Profile of Bournemouth’s Ace
Often in football, it’s the undercurrents of a player’s potential that makes him a topic of interest among the top clubs. Enter Lloyd Kelly – Bournemouth’s dynamic defender. His ability to pivot between playing as a centre-back and a left-back has garnered significant attention, not least from Newcastle United.
The clock is ticking, and with it the urgency amplifies. With just six months left on his current Bournemouth contract, Kelly finds himself in a coveted position. The spectre of a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs from 1 January looms large, making it essential for Premier League giants to act decisively.
The Tug of War: Premier Clubs on Alert
It’s no secret – top clubs from the Premier League, including Tottenham and Liverpool, have their sights set on Kelly. The allure? His versatility and the underlying potential he brings to the defensive game.
Football Insider highlights this very interest, spotlighting how these clubs are ready to ensure that the Cherries don’t lose their left-sided prodigy without pocketing a worthy fee.
Newcastle’s Gambit: Eddie Howe’s Admiration
Yet, among these Premier League giants, Newcastle’s interest stands out, and much of it is credited to manager Eddie Howe. Their connection isn’t newfound. Howe, during his tenure at Bournemouth in 2019, was the force behind bringing the then England Under-21 international to the club. But, as fate would have it, a ligament injury restricted Kelly’s appearances to just nine under Howe.
Despite this setback, Howe’s faith in Kelly never waned. His appreciation for Kelly’s attitude and prowess only intensified. Now, with Newcastle scouting the market for a centre-back, it’s no surprise that Kelly tops their list.
Kelly’s Journey So Far: Bouncing Back from Injuries
The current season under Andoni Iraola has seen Kelly clocking 149 minutes across two starts. Last season wasn’t a smooth ride either. A taxing ankle injury limited him, but he still managed to pull through with 24 appearances, playing a pivotal role in Bournemouth evading relegation to the Championship.
It’s this resilience, combined with his technical acumen, that makes the Bristol-born ace a sought-after name.
In Conclusion
Football narratives are replete with stories of players making monumental moves. Lloyd Kelly’s tale is poised to be one such story. With top clubs in the fray and a manager’s unwavering faith, the January transfer window promises to be a whirlwind. For Newcastle, the possibility of adding a gem like Kelly to their ranks is not just a transfer strategy but a testament to their ambition. Reported by Football Insider.
