Premier League duo Everton and Newcastle United both needed a left-sided player in January, but while the Magpies signed Kenedy, the Toffees got no one.
Kenedy certainly made an impression on his Newcastle United debut.
The Brazilian had barely featured for Chelsea but immediately looked like the most dangerous weapon in Rafa Benitez’s arsenal as he took St James’ Park by storm on his debut against Burnley on Wednesday night.
He was a constant threat from the off, rattling the post from range, winning the penalty which Joselu spurned and setting up Jamaal Lascelles’ thumping headed goal with a superb corner kick.
It was the sort of attacking display Newcastle have missed on the left all season. But while the Magpies solved their problem position, the same cannot be said about Premier League rivals Everton.
The Toffees have needed a left-back ever since Bryan Oviedo left for Sunderland a year ago but no new face is yet to arrive at Goodison Park. Luke Garbutt is completely out of favour and Leighton Baines injured, meaning the right-footed Cuco Martina has been forced to fill in and he is average enough in his natural position.
So why Everton did not make a move for the sparky, typically Samba Kenedy is anyone’s guess. Chelsea were willing to loan the Brazilian out and a move to Goodison Park could have been perfect for all parties, even if he could thrive in a more attacking role at Newcastle instead.
Kenedy would have offered the pace, creativity and end product Everton have lacked on the left with Baines out injured. Instead, the youngster seemingly never even registered on their list of targets.
But if his excellent Newcastle debut is anything to go by, the Toffees have missed a trick.
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