Newcastle United may have to be clever in the transfer market once again, so perhaps the free agent should be on Rafa Benitez’s wishlist.
The Chronicle alludes to the fact that Rafa Benitez may have a tight budget to work with again this summer, so perhaps that may put further doubt on the prospect of Kenedy being re-signed should the Newcastle boss decide that he has too many other concerns to break the club record transfer.
Should Benitez ultimately decide against targeting Kenedy again, perhaps he should take note of the news that Brazil international Bernard is now a free agent having left Shakhtar Donetsk this summer.
The 25-year-old would perhaps be a fantastic alternative target if the writing appears on the wall in their pursuit of his countryman. A diminutive playmaker, Bernard scored six goals and provided three assists in the Ukrainian top flight last year, while he also scored three goals in eight Champions League games.
And while he would predominantly strengthen Newcastle’s left wing if he did join, he is more than capable of playing through the middle or out on the other flank if required. And his goalscoring record during his time with Shakhtar suggests that he would be more than capable of replacing the creativity that the side may lose if they fail to bring Kenedy back. He has the kind of attributes that would excite the Toon Army if he did join, boasting plenty of pace and skill that would make him an extremely dangerous signing.
If Newcastle can bring Kenedy back, it would arguably be a fantastic statement of intent. But if the Chelsea ace proves to be out of their reach this summer, perhaps targeting Bernard on a free transfer could prove a game-changing masterstroke from Benitez.
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