Newcastle United thrashed out a decent deal to loan out Lloyd Kelly to join Juventus in the winter transfer window.
The defender joined the Italian giants on an initial loan with a near-obligation to buy, and this happened only months after he arrived at St James’ Park from Bournemouth in the summer.
Kelly has made four Serie A appearances for the Old Lady so far and while he has been far from terrible, the Italian press hasn’t quite warmed to the idea of him playing for the Bianconeri.
He was at fault during Juventus’ 4-0 loss to Atalanta in the Serie A at the weekend. This led to former TuttoSport director Vittorio Oreggia taking a shot at the arrival from Newcastle United.
He spoke to Calciomercato.it, criticising Kelly and also blaming manager Thiago Motta for bringing him to the club.
He said: “I wonder how it is possible to overpay such a poor player, unless you are an even poorer manager.”
The ex-journalist also bashed Juventus and their form, describing the result against Atalanta as something that is beyond shameful.
“Only fools could cherish illusions. Juve is this, that is, a team without head or tail, as weak as those who govern it behind the desk and on the field . Against a beautiful Atalanta it is everything beyond shame, I would even say [beyond] dignity.”
It is certainly easy to blame Kelly, considering how he was a player signed in the winter transfer window right after having failed to make an impact at Newcastle United.
Having said that, this is the Englishman’s first shot overseas and he only made his Champions League debut last month. It is also a completely new culture and environment for him.
It has only been weeks since his arrival and it is normal for him to take time, and, again, he hasn’t been as awful as suggested.
On top of that, it would be harsh to judge him negatively when the entire club – as Oreggia points out, is struggling.
