Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com
and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565
Visit Shots! now
Juventus are reportedly on the brink of sacking Thiago Motta as manager just eight games into Lloyd Kelly’s Serie A career.
Newcastle United loaned the defender to the Turin club during the winter transfer window. This deal came just six months after Kelly arrived at St James’ Park from Bournemouth on a free transfer.
It is expected that the 26-year-old will complete a permanent move worth around £20million at the end of the season. NewcastleWorld understands the permutation to trigger the clause is whether Juve qualify for UEFA competition next season.
As it stands, the Italian giants sit fifth but heavy back-to-back defeats to Fiorentina and Atalanta have left Juventus fans packing. Similarly to the Premier League, the race for European football is tight, with just six points separating fourth and ninth.
Click here to join NewcastleWorld's dedicated NUFC WhatsApp channel for news videos and voice notes. CLICK THE FOR NOTIFICATIONS.
A brutal 4-0 home defeat to Atalanta was followed by a 3-0 loss at Fiorentina - piling the pressure on Motta. Kelly started both games, playing centre-back and left-back as he did for Newcastle.
Italian media have not been kind to Kelly since he made the loan move in February. CalcioMercato panned his Champions League debut against PSV Eindhoven as “basic” before giving him a four out of 10 rating.
Renowned sports journalist Fabrizio Romano has now revealed that Juventus are set to sack Motta as manager - placing Kelly in an awkward position. Former player Igor Tudor - who recently coached Lazio - will succeed him until the end of the campaign.
⚪️⚫️ All documents are being prepared now for Igor Tudor to sign in as Juventus head coach until June plus option to extend until 2026.
He’s always been the main candidate for Juventus job, as reported three days ago. pic.twitter.com/4IRz8AI1go
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 23, 2025
This will have no bearing on Newcastle’s expected £20million sale as the agreement was an obligation to buy. However, it does leave Kelly needing to prove himself to a new manager for the third time in eight months.
Lloyd Kelly was honest on Newcastle United struggles under Eddie Howe
Kelly admitted in November that adjusting to life on Tyneside was tough.
In total, the versatile defender made just 14 appearances for Newcastle before being flipped for a £20million profit.
"I'd say for myself, I'd be lying if I said it wasn't a bit up and down," Kelly said. "Coming into a new club, you want to get settled as quickly as you can. I think I'm finally starting to feel a bit more settled.
“Adjusting to how the gaffer wants to play and the teammates and things of course takes a bit of time. I think I'm finally starting to find my feet. It can be different and difficult to move but there are loads of people here who gave me a helping hand.
“The squad made me feel welcome. Of course, it's going to be different, changing location and teammates, but everyone has helped me settle."
YOUR NEXT READ:‘Expected to leave’ - Fabrizio Romano drops bombshell Newcastle United transfer update