Express journalist Ryan Taylor has told his YouTube channel that Leeds United have added Chelsea player Kenedy to their deadline-day shortlist. The Brazilian has just been recalled by Thomas Tuchel from a loan spell.
Kenedy, 25, has played just 27 times for Chelsea since joining the club from Fluminense in the summer of 2015 for a fee of £6million (Express). Indeed, Kenedy has been out on loan to five different clubs while at Chelsea.
His best spell probably came at La Liga side Granada, where he had a hand in 14 goals during 44 games. He also became a fan favourite at Newcastle between January 2018 and the summer of 2019, during an 18-month loan.
Getafe, Watford and most-recently, Flamengo have had him on loan. Now in the final 18 months of his contract, Express reporter Taylor claims that Leeds are keen on signing Kenedy and a deadline-day move could occur.
“Kenedy from Chelsea is one they have looked at. He has been recalled from Flamengo early by Thomas Tuchel. I expected him to play a back-up role to Marcos Alonso. But this is one we could see movement on,” Taylor said.
Taylor on Kenedy: Could Leeds sign Brazilian, and why?
On the face of it, many Leeds fans will be questioning why the Whites want to sign a player that is a long way away from Chelsea’s first team and has spent the first half of the season on loan in Brazilian football.
While those reservations are understandable, delve a little deeper and Kenedy is an ideal Marcelo Bielsa player. He can play as a left-back, wing-back, left winger, left attacker, a no.10 or on the right wing.
His versatility gives Leeds an option in numerous positions where the club have had injuries. Indeed, Crysencio Summerville could go and Kenedy might be a good replacement. A player that needs a home.
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