‘Embarrasing’ – Former Newcastle United Man Struggles For Serie A Giants

Lloyd Kelly has been labelled the worst signing in Juventus history by a leading Italian journalist after a string of error-prone performances.

The England defender’s move to Turin has become a lightning rod for criticism amid an injury crisis and poor results for the Bianconeri.

Kelly slammed as ’embarrassing’ in damning verdict

Juventus’ winter signing of Lloyd Kelly from Newcastle United has drawn fierce condemnation in Italy, with Gazzetta dello Sport writer Mimmo Cugini delivering a brutal assessment on Sportitalia ahead of the club’s clash with Bologna.

With injuries mounting for manager Igor Tudor — including key absentees like Federico Gatti, Juan Cabal, Gleison Bremer and Dusan Vlahovic — Kelly was not even considered a noteworthy absence. Cugini made his view clear during a broadcast preview, calling into question both Kelly’s performances and the club’s judgment in pursuing the transfer.

“Considering what they paid for him, I think he is the most disastrous signing in the history of Juventus. He is frankly embarrassing. I’ve seen him do things that we humans have never seen on a football field. Kelly is not reliable. The goal he allowed against Parma, at this level, was embarrassing.”

The 26-year-old joined Juventus in January on a loan deal from Newcastle that included a €3.8 million fee, with an obligation to buy for a further €17.2 million. A series of performance-related bonuses could push the final figure beyond €27 million.

Kelly, a product of Bristol City’s academy, had also played for Bournemouth before his free transfer to Newcastle in 2024. Despite arriving with Premier League experience, he has failed to convince in his 13 appearances across all competitions for the Italian giants.

The Englishman’s most notable blunder came in a recent league match against Parma, where his error led directly to a goal — a moment that has become symbolic of his troubled time in Turin.

Juventus are facing criticism not just for Kelly’s underperformance but for the decision-making process that led to his signing. With the club fighting for a Champions League spot and key defenders unavailable, questions are being asked about the squad’s construction and strategic planning under sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli.

Site Opinion

From an Italian standpoint, Juventus’ acquisition of Lloyd Kelly appears symptomatic of a larger issue — an overvaluation of English talent and questionable recruitment strategy. The fee, which could surpass €27 million, now looks baffling when set against his on-field displays.

For Serie A clubs already struggling to keep pace financially with the Premier League, missteps like this can be costly not just in performance terms but in long-term credibility. If Juve fail to secure Champions League football, Kelly’s signing will be remembered as one of the defining errors of the campaign — and a lesson in the risks of buying potential over proven quality.