Howe explains why Newcastle sold Lloyd Kelly to Juventus: ‘Very reluctant’ | OneFootball

Newcastle coach Eddie Howe has explained that his team were ‘very reluctant’ to let Lloyd Kelly leave for Juventus in the final days of the January transfer window, but hinted that the Premier League’s rules on Profit and Sustainability (PSR) might have impacted the decision to sell him.

Juventus officially announced the signing of Kelly on deadline day, joining on an initial loan deal with an obligation to buy.

The Bianconeri have paid €3m to sign the defender on loan for the remainder of the season and will pay €14.5m plus up to €3m in bonuses to make the move permanent.

The Englishman had only joined Newcastle in the summer on a free transfer following the expiry of his contract with fellow Premier League outfit AFC Bournemouth.

Lloyd Kelly of Newcastle United runs with the ball during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Newcastle United and AFC Wimbledon at St James’ Park on October 01, 2024 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

Why Newcastle decided to sell Kelly to Newcastle

Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Tuesday, Howe explained why Newcastle decided to let their player leave so soon after joining.

“I don’t think it was necessarily my decision to let him leave, I think it was very reluctant from our side because Lloyd’s a player that had just recently signed and we believed in him and his qualities,” Howe said.

“Slightly frustrating for him that he hadn’t played more, but in part really due to the form of the other players around him. But I think we’re in the world, and we have been this window of trying to manage PSR and trying to make decisions that benefit us in the long-term, and this is one of those decisions.

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