Crystal Palace are eyeing a move for Juventus defender Lloyd Kelly as the Eagles look to bolster their centre-back options this summer, according to Corriere dello Sport (Page 8).
The Eagles have endured a torrid summer despite winning the FA Cup, lifting the Community Shield, and booking their place in Europe.
Crystal Palace been demoted from the Europa League to the Europa Conference League. They also face the prospect of losing two massive stars in Eberechi Eze and Marc Guehi.
The latter is a target for Liverpool, and if he leaves, Palace must secure a top-calibre defender to replace the England international. Enter Kelly.
The Crystal Palace target joined Newcastle United after leaving Bournemouth for free, but struggled to get a look in before going on loan to Juventus, which turned permanent.
Kelly also didn’t manage to nail down a spot in the Juventus starting XI and could be on the move this summer again. Palace are reportedly showing interest.
Kelly is a Premier League-proven defender who can bolster the Palace rearguard as they look to continue a promising start to the season.
The 6ft2ins defender (191 cm as listed on Sofascore) is versatile and can cover at left-back while playing his natural position as a centre-back.
Hailed by Eddie Howe as a player with ‘undoubted defensive ability’, he could form a strong partnership with Maxence Lacroix, Chris Richards and even Guehi (if he stays).
With all that said, Palace cannot afford to sit still any longer. The clock is ticking, and the transfer window won’t wait.
Palace gaffer Oliver Glasner has shown he can deliver, but the hierarchy has so far rewarded him with nothing more than two back-up signings. That’s not good enough.
The Austrian is understandably growing frustrated, and the fans should be too.
Losing Eze and Guehi without landing proper reinforcements would be suicidal for a team trying to establish itself at the next level.
Palace need pace and purpose in this market, not dithering. Kelly might be a step in the right direction, but it cannot end there.
The board has to back Glasner properly. He’s earned the right to be given a squad that can match his ambition. Give the man some good players.