Liverpool appears to be leading the pursuit for the acquisition of Lloyd Kelly, a £35k-a-week star. Reports suggest that the Reds are in prime position to secure his signature without a transfer fee.
The club’s interest in the English left-back dates back to the previous winter transfer window, where they attempted to lure him from Bournemouth. Despite initial efforts, Kelly remained with the Cherries.
Who is Lloyd Kelly?
Lloyd Kelly is an English professional footballer who primarily plays as a left-back. He was born on October 6, 1998, in Bristol, England. Kelly began his career in the youth system of Bristol City before making his senior debut for the club in 2017. He established himself as a promising talent and caught the attention of larger clubs.
In May 2019, Kelly joined AFC Bournemouth, signing a long-term contract with the Premier League side. He has represented England at various youth levels, including the under-21 team.
Kelly is known for his versatility, as he is capable of playing as a left-back or center-back. He possesses good defensive abilities, is comfortable on the ball, and has the potential to contribute to attacks with his overlapping runs and crossing ability.
What makes him a target?
As a defender, Lloyd Kelly has featured in 14 matches in the 2023/2024 Premier League season. During this time, his team conceded 21 goals while securing 2 clean sheets. This equates to conceding a goal approximately every 48 minutes when Kelly is in play. Furthermore, he averages 1.68 tackles and 0.62 interceptions per 90 minutes on the pitch, while also amassing around 3.01 clearances.
Across these 14 matches, Lloyd Kelly has received 1 yellow card and 0 red cards, demonstrating his disciplined approach. On average, he commits 1.06 fouls per 90 minutes of play.
Transfer report
Recent reports indicate that Liverpool has engaged in talks to sign Kelly on a free transfer in the upcoming summer window.
According to Italian outlet La Gazzetta Dello Sport (image below), Liverpool have an edge in securing Kelly’s signature, despite interest from Juventus in alternative options like Riccardo Calafiori.
Although Liverpool boasts three quality left-back options already, Kelly’s potential arrival raises questions about the necessity of the move. Furthermore, Kelly’s injury record this season, plagued by muscle and hip issues, adds another layer of consideration for the club.
Given the circumstances, do you believe Liverpool should proceed with securing Kelly’s services without a transfer fee?
