Newcastle transfer news: How much will Kenedy help?
By Joel Slagle
Newcastle finally landed Kenedy on loan from Chelsea after a long pursuit. Will he shine Tyneside?
Kenedy is finally a Newcastle player after a long pursuit. It is a loan move that should please a number of parties. Mike Ashley is happy to add a player without opening his checkbook. Rafael Benitez is happy to add some quality to his side. Newcastle fans are happy to watch an exciting player out on the pitch. Chelsea is happy to see an asset appreciate in value while out on loan. And Antonio Conte is overjoyed to not have to deal with Kenedy’s indiscipline.
It was always a slight surprise to realize Kenedy is still on Chelsea’s books. He is a curious case. He spent his time on the fringes of the first team and never seemed to kick on to the next level. A move to Tyneside could be just the thing to re-energize his career.
The Brazilian arrived in London from Fluminese in the summer of 2015. He was one of the three rising stars of the Brazilian under 20 team: Kenedy, Gabigol, and Gabriel Jesus. Kenedy was the least promising of the three. It was assumed he would be shipped out on loan for a few years before being sold on at a healthy profit.
However, he managed to impress Jose Mourinho in preseason training and stayed in the squad. The young Brazilian managed 20 appearances for the Blues during the campaign and scored two goals. In a disastrous season for Chelsea, Kenedy was one of the few bright spots. He endeared himself to fans because, in stark contrast to many of his teammates, he appeared to give a damn.
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Two years and one failed loan move later, Kenedy is ready to seize the opportunity Newcastle has given him. At just 21 years of age, another loan might unlock his obvious potential. His social media gaffes during Chelsea’s Far East tour show he still has some growing up to do.
It will be interesting to see where Benitez plays him. He arrived from Brazil as right-sided attacker that would cut inside on to his cannon of a left foot. He was seen as a sort of “Hulk-lite,” but he has spent most of his time at Chelsea as a nominal left wing back. His conversion to a defender speaks volumes for his tactical flexibility and work rate. That said, he was obviously a forward that found himself on the field where a wingback should be. So, expect to see him amongst the Magpies’ attackers.
This is good news for Benitez. Newcastle has looked anemic in attack this season. Dwight Gayle, Ayoze Perez, and Joselu need all the help they can get. Kenedy gives his manager new options, especially if Aleksander Mitrovic leaves this January.
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The Geordie faithful will appreciate his trickery, surging runs forward and fantastic left foot. Kenedy can provide bold, attacking play to the Toon to keep them in the Premier League. Provided, of course, he manages to avoid offensive social media buffoonery.