Liverpool are keeping tabs on Bournemouth defender Lloyd Kelly as many top clubs pursue the English defender.
Liverpool are keen on signing Bournemouth defender Lloyd Kelly while the defender is attracting interest from several top clubs. Bournemouth had Kelly as their captain from January 2022 until February 2023 when veteran goalkeeper Neto took over.
Kelly missed an extended period of last season due to nagging injuries but returned strongly in March of 2023. The England U21 international joined the Cherries in the summer of 2019 from Bristol City.
Tottenham Hotspur attempted to sign Kelly during the summer transfer window but Bournemouth rejected the offer straight away. The English defender remains a key part of Bournemouth set-up as they head towards a possible relegation battle.
TalkSPORTS (h/t Liverpool Echo) reported that Liverpool are among the long list of admirers closely watching Kelly’s situation. The 25-year-old’s contract runs out next summer while Spurs are looking to revive their interest in January. However, the Cherries would rather lose him as a free agent instead of jeopardising their season with a January sale.
Kelly is a left-footed centre-back capable of comfortably playing as a left-back as well. The 25-year-old has the qualities on and off the ball that helped him secure a starting place at Bournemouth.
The Englishman stands at 1.90 meters in height and possesses good stamina, pace, agility and strength. Kelly has a fantastic recovery pace to play in a high-line formation and uses game intelligence to take good positions.
The 25-year-old is very comfortable with the ball on his feet and suits a possessional-based and progressive style of play. Kelly took the captaincy role at a very young age due to his level-headedness and maturity.
AC Milan are working on deal to sign Lloyd Kelly in January, considered interesting centre back for present and future.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 2, 2023
Understand Juventus are also interested and informed on conditions of the deal.
Kelly, out of contract in 2024 — NO option for #AFCB to extend his deal. pic.twitter.com/wzrrh40zvN
Liverpool are looking to bolster their defence as they have already revamped their midfield and attack in last couple of transfer windows. The Reds defender Joel Matip is currently in the last year of his contract with strong chance of him leaving the summer as a free agent.
We understand that the prospect of signing Kelly might not be something that would intrigue many fans. However, his injury lay-offs are the reason that the Englishman has not received the recognition he deserves.
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The 25-year-old is playing for a Bournemouth side that finished 15th last season and are currently in 17th position. Kelly is a fantastic ball-playing centre-back who suits a team where his quality distribution can have a result. He is just reaching the peak years of his career and has time to become an elite defender.
Kelly grew up in a foster environment and faced plenty of tribulations in his young life. The 25-year-old has the personality and mentality that will fit well in the Liverpool squad. However, injuries are a slight concern for the player but the Reds need depth in defence department. Liverpool cannot overlook his versatility, which is a valuable asset, as the senior team requires more homegrown players.
