Report: Wolves ‘Offered’ £20m Champions League Defender as Summer Transfer Intensifies
Wolverhampton Wanderers could be set to bolster their defensive ranks with the addition of Juventus centre-back Lloyd Kelly, according to fresh reports. The Premier League club have reportedly been given the opportunity to sign the 26-year-old former Bournemouth and Newcastle United star, who is seen as a strong candidate to fill a left-sided role at the heart of Vitor Pereira’s backline.
This summer has already seen significant player turnover at Molineux. Key attacking figure Matheus Cunha made a high-profile switch to Manchester United earlier in the window, while Algerian international Rayan Aït-Nouri completed a move to reigning champions Manchester City. These departures have undoubtedly altered the squad’s balance, but they have also freed up substantial funds for reinvestment — money that could now be directed towards securing Kelly’s services.
Defensive Reinforcement on Pereira’s Agenda
Reports from Molineux News suggest that Pereira has identified the need for a reliable, left-footed central defender to complement his existing options. Kelly, who has been ‘offered’ to Wolves, fits that profile perfectly. Sources in Italy indicate that there is a “strong chance” the player will return to English football this summer, with the West Midlands emerging as a possible destination.
Kelly’s time in Italy has been relatively brief. He joined Juventus in January on a loan deal from Newcastle United, which included an obligation to buy. Since his arrival, he has made 19 appearances for the Bianconeri, contributing to their domestic and European campaigns. However, despite meeting the initial expectations, Juventus are reportedly prepared to sanction his departure just months after making his stay permanent — a decision believed to be financially motivated as they reshape their squad ahead of the new Serie A season.
A Familiar Face in English Football
The Bristol-born defender began his professional journey with Bristol City, making 43 Championship appearances before securing a move to Bournemouth. His time on the south coast saw him play 54 times in the Premier League, as well as playing a pivotal role in the Cherries’ promotion from the Championship.
In 2023, Kelly signed for Newcastle United but struggled to cement a regular starting role under Eddie Howe. This led to his loan move to Juventus, where he gained Champions League experience but now finds himself back on the transfer market.
Wolves’ Current Defensive Situation
Wolves’ central defensive department currently features Emmanuel Agbadou, Santiago Bueno, Yerson Mosquera, Toti Gomes, and Ki-Jana Hoever. While these options provide depth, Pereira is keen to avoid the risk of a long, gruelling campaign without adequate competition in each position. Kelly’s versatility and left-sided balance could offer tactical flexibility, especially in systems requiring ball-playing defenders.
Juventus are said to be seeking a fee in the region of £20 million for Kelly’s departure — a figure that Wolves have shown they are willing to spend in recent windows, with similar amounts paid for players like Fer Lopez and Agbadou. Given his Premier League experience, age profile, and adaptability, Kelly could represent a shrewd addition as Wolves aim to stabilise their squad and push for a stronger league finish in 2025/26.
With several weeks remaining in the transfer window, negotiations could accelerate quickly if Wolves decide to act on the offer. Should the move materialise, it would mark yet another intriguing chapter in Kelly’s career — and potentially strengthen a Wolves backline in need of both stability and depth.
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