Lloyd Kelly of Juventus Fc looks dejected during the Serie A match between Juventus and Atalanta
Newcastle United loanee Lloyd Kelly endured a fresh chapter of his nightmare start to life in Serie A with Juventus last night.
The former AFC Bournemouth defender, who arrived on a free transfer to St James' Park last summer, has played seven matches for Juve since leaving Newcastle. And in the aftermath of a host of defensive injuries, Kelly's transfer was questioned by some observers who feel he would have been ideal cover for injured stars like Lewis Hall and Sven Botman.
United have already banked a £3million loan fee for Kelly's services and are hoping to net a fee of £20m when the season comes to a close. That will be dependent on certain conditions but for now Kelly's struggles in a Juve shirt continue.
After enduring both a Champions League exit to PSV Eindhoven and then being part of a Juventus team that went out of the Coppa Italia to Empoli, times have been tough in Turin with Thiago Motta under pressure in Serie A. That pressure intensified last night as Juve were thrashed 4-0 at home to Atalanta in front of a live TV audience on Sunday evening.
However, Newcastle will still be confident of picking up a cash deal for Kelly after inserting a clever clause into his transfer. Indeed, the only way Juventus can opt against signing Kelly permanently will be if Juventus fail to qualify for Europe.
Despite the bruising defeat against Atalanta, Juventus still hold a healthy six-point cushion over seventh place AS Roma who sit outside the European spots. If Juve fail to get into the Champions League they will be hopeful of at least a spot in the Europa League or Europa Conference League.
Even the Conference League would see Newcastle's cheque for £20m sent through and go into the summer budget.
Kelly played the full 90 minutes, unlike others in the back four, but was lambasted by home fans after the game. He gave the ball away in midfield for Atalanta's second goal, and then his half-hearted challenge proved futile as the ball fell to Marten De Roon to double the visitors' advanatge.
Kelly then saw his attempted block fail from Davide Zappacosta for the third, with it going through his legs, and then inadvertently diverted Ademola Lookman's shot past the keeper for the fourth.