Kenedy is reportedly set to join Newcastle United on loan from Chelsea after a turbulent two years.
To say it has been a frustrating transfer window for Newcastle United would be an understatement. However, at least the deal for Chelsea’s Kenedy appears to be moving in the right direction again after stalling earlier in the month.
The Mail reports that The Magpies expect to tie up a deal for the Brazilian this week. This comes after Goal reported that there was a very real chance that the move could fall through with Chelsea concerned about the lack of depth in their squad.
Newcastle fans will be pleased to see another new face at St James’, with Kenedy possibly offering vital cover for Paul Dummett at left-back. However, it’s fair to say the 21-year-old would not be arriving on Tyneside in the greatest moment of his short career.
Kenedy endured a dismal spell on loan at Watford last season, playing just 15 minutes of football in a cameo outing against Burnley. And he landed himself in hot water with Chelsea chiefs during the club’s pre-season tour of the Asian nation that saw him sent home early.
Therefore, you get the feeling that a year at Newcastle represents something of a make or break opportunity for a player who showed signs of promise under Jose Mourinho (below) but has failed to win over sucessor Antonio Conte.
After all, despite repeated attempts to bring Juventus’ Alex Sandro to Stamford Bridge, there is still a lack of alternative options at left-wing back. Therefore, if Kenedy impresses and reminds why Chelsea paid Fluminense £6.3 million, as reported by The Sun, there is no reason to believe he can’t return to the capital in a year’s time and fight for a first-team place.
Thomas Christiansen and Victor Moses started in last Sunday’s 2-1 win at Tottenham Hotspur and they too returned to Stamford Bridge facing an uncertain future after spending extended periods away from the club on loan. Kenedy, if Rafael Benitez can get the best out of him at Newcastle, has the perfect chance to show he can thrive in English football and earn a chance at Chelsea.
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