Lloyd Kelly Faces Heavy Criticism in Italy After Tough Champions League Debut for Juventus
Lloyd Kelly's Move from Newcastle to Juventus
As expectations soared with Lloyd Kelly's high-profile switch from Newcastle United to Juventus, not many could have predicted how quickly the Italian press would turn on him. The 26-year-old defender arrived on a January loan with a mandatory £20 million transfer lined up for summer, and Juventus fans wasted no time debating if the deal made sense. Kelly had featured just 14 times for Newcastle, but found himself thrust straight into the Juventus starting lineup—proof of just how much faith manager Thiago Motta initially placed in his new signing.
This trust was soon put to the test on one of the biggest stages in European football—the Champions League. In a heated 2-1 win over PSV Eindhoven, Kelly was handed the left-back role. But instead of a smooth start, he ended up at the centre of a media storm, as Italian outlet CalcioMercato slammed his display, handing him a forgettable 4.5/10 rating. That was the lowest of any Juventus player that night. Their verdict? Kelly's defending was too passive and his dribbling too basic, especially in the moment he was caught flat-footed during Ivan Perišić's equaliser. "He stays to watch," the review read, bluntly summing up the frustration of fans and journalists alike.
Media Backlash and Questions Over Kelly's Future
It's not the first time Kelly has faced a tough review since swapping Tyneside for Turin. Just days earlier, his Serie A performance against Como was also met with mixed feelings. While some saw flashes of potential, plenty of Italian commentators questioned whether Kelly could handle the rigours of Serie A and Champions League nights, especially after coming from England’s top flight where he’d seen limited action.
Former Premier League defender Joleon Lescott, however, jumped in to offer a different perspective. Lescott pointed out that Kelly did show composure under pressure—a trait not always present in foreign signings adapting to Italy. Lescott argued that it’s unrealistic to expect instant chemistry and perfection, especially for a defender playing out of his comfort zone and adjusting to new tactics, language, and intensity every week. But in Italy, patience isn’t always in abundance.
The move also had ripple effects back in England. Kelly’s departure has already shifted Newcastle’s transfer strategy, freeing up funds for an ambitious £70 million summer signing. The club’s willingness to let him go hinted at a belief that he was expendable—a view the Italian media seems quick to endorse after his debut struggles.
Now, the spotlight will only burn brighter. With Juventus eyeing domestic and European success, Kelly has little time to win over critics. Italian football is notoriously unforgiving, especially for defenders who make early mistakes. Whether he can shake off these first impressions and live up to his hefty price tag is the big question swirling around Turin right now.