Sunderland tried to sign Eddie Howe favourite this summer as transfer details emerge
Sunderland caught the eye with their transfer activity this summer, but there were a few players that they missed out on.
Jhon Lucumi was a prime target for Sunderland, but Bologna were unwilling to let the centre-back leave.
Despite that frustration, the Black Cats have enjoyed a positive start to the season defensively, conceding three goals in four games.
However, it could have been very different if the Wearsiders had managed to land a player lauded by Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe.
Sunderland transfer details emerge involving Lloyd Kelly
Sunderland made enquiries for Kelly in early August, with the North East club hellbent on acquiring centre-backs.
The defender joined Newcastle in June 2024, and Howe was full of praise for him upon his arrival on Tyneside.
“Lloyd is a player I’ve admired since the early stages of his career,” Howe told the Newcastle club website.
“Alongside his undoubted defensive ability, he brings versatility and leadership qualities that I believe will make him a great fit within our squad and somebody our supporters will quickly take to.”
- Kelly only made 10 Premier League appearances for Newcastle
- He joined Juventus permanently this summer, having been on loan
- Scored against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League midweek
It was reported that Juventus were looking for between £15.5million and £17.5m for his services this summer.
Then, further reports suggested that Sunderland were pushing hard to sign Kelly, but a deal never came to fruition.
Now, it has emerged that the Black Cats were willing to spend more than £17.5m to land Kelly, according to Tutto Sport on 18 September.
Furthermore, the deal to bring him to the Stadium of Light would have been a loan with an obligation to buy if Sunderland avoided relegation.
Lloyd Kelly would have broken eight-year record with transfer to Wearside
As a Sunderland supporter, it is fair to say that I would have been conflicted over the defender’s switch to the Stadium of Light.
Yes, several players have moved in the opposite direction, having played for the Black Cats, but it just does not sit right.
However, it did get me thinking about who the last player was to move to Sunderland after playing for the Magpies.
After a bit of digging, it appears that you have to go back to 2017 to find that man, who was none other than Kazenga LuaLua.
- LuaLua made 15 appearances for Newcastle
- He then made 6 appearances for Sunderland in the 2017/18 season
It is fair to say that the winger did not exactly make an impact at either club, but it was not his last foray in the North East.
While he is now without a club, the last team he played for was Hartlepool, where he provided one assist in seven appearances.
Although I am sure Kelly would have fared better at Sunderland, I feel assured with the options Regis Le Bris has at centre-back.
Enjoyed this article? Stay connected with all the latest Sunderland news, updates, and behind-the-scenes content by following us on our new Instagram account –@mackemnews247