
Lloyd Kelly (foto: Getty Images)
Fenerbahçe targets defensive reinforcements with moves for Newcastle’s Lloyd Kelly and Eintracht Frankfurt’s Lucas Silva Melo (Tuta).
Acun Ilicali, Fenerbahçe’s vice-president and owner of Hull City and Maribor, has confirmed the club’s interest in signing Lloyd Kelly from Newcastle United. The Turkish giants are also reportedly close to securing a deal for Lucas Silva Melo, better known as Tuta, from Eintracht Frankfurt.
Lloyd Kelly on Fenerbahçe’s radar
Kelly, a 26-year-old English defender, joined Newcastle last summer but has struggled for game time in the first half of the season. Despite Newcastle’s push for Champions League qualification, Ilicali hopes to convince the Premier League side to part with the versatile defender.
"It is true that we are negotiating the transfer of Lloyd Kelly from Newcastle. He is a player who is very interesting to us, and I hope he will join us," Ilicali said, confirming ongoing discussions.
Deal close for Tuta
Meanwhile, Turkish media reports indicate that Fenerbahçe has reached an agreement with Eintracht Frankfurt for Brazilian defender Tuta. The 24-year-old has been a key figure in Frankfurt’s defense, making 120 Bundesliga appearances over six years. With his contract set to expire at the end of next season, now appears to be the ideal time for the German club to cash in on the player, who is valued at €15 million.
The terms of the deal with Fenerbahçe remain undisclosed, but the move signals the club’s intent to strengthen its backline under coach Jose Mourinho. Tuta’s experience in top-tier European competition makes him a valuable addition as Fenerbahçe looks to close the gap on league leaders Galatasaray, who currently hold an eight-point advantage.
Title ambitions and challenges ahead
Fenerbahçe sits second in the Turkish Süper Lig table, trailing Galatasaray by eight points. To have any chance of overtaking their fierce rivals, they will need an exceptional second half of the season, coupled with a dip in Galatasaray’s form. Strengthening the defense appears to be a priority for Mourinho, with the club keen on adding proven talent to solidify their title challenge.
If both transfers materialize, Fenerbahçe will have two high-quality options in central defense, significantly boosting their squad depth for the remainder of the campaign.