It was a prospect that felt even further away a year ago.
Kelly acknowledged that his move to Newcastle did not go “the way he wanted” after he joined from Bournemouth on a free transfer in June 2024.
Such was the form of Dan Burn and Lewis Hall, who played in Kelly’s preferred positions at left-sided centre-back and left-back, he ended up making only a handful of league starts for Newcastle.
“As a player, you want to go in, show what you can do and play consistent football,” he said.
“But I bear no ill towards Newcastle. They gave me an opportunity to grow and play at a really good club.”
Kelly instead reflects fondly on the “unbelievable” atmosphere he experienced at St James’ Park.
He is also “proud to have stood alongside” the players who went on to end Newcastle’s 70-year wait for a major domestic trophy by winning the Carabao Cup.
Kelly had moved on by then, but he started in the wins against AFC Wimbledon and Chelsea in the earlier rounds and came off the bench in the semi-final first-leg victory at Arsenal.
Just as a medal has recently been sent to forward Miguel Almiron to mark his contribution – the Paraguayan also left in the mid-season window, for Atlanta United – one is on the way to Kelly.
The centre-back clearly left on good terms with head coach Eddie Howe, who had previously brought him to Bournemouth before signing him for Newcastle.
“The amount of players who have played under him and progressed is top,” he said. “I’ll always hold him in high regard.”
Kelly had not long said farewell to Howe when he found himself walking into the Juventus dressing room for the first time.
It was a space where defensive giants like Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini once sat.
And now Kelly is following in their footsteps.
“I’ve come a long way,” he said. “You could say I’m just getting started.”
