After narrowly missing out on a loan in August, Chelsea youngster Kenedy finally gets his chance to kick on at Newcastle United for the remainder of the season.
Kenedy joined Chelsea in 2015, perhaps the worst possible time in history for any player to have joined the club. When bought, he was a striker, but Jose Mourinho pushed him wide in his early chances. After Mourinho’s sacking, Guus Hiddink slotted Kenedy into the left back role. Most famously, Kenedy played as a left back against Paris Saint Germain in the Champions League round of 16.
The following season, Kenedy was given an ambitious loan to Watford, then managed by an Antonio Conte nemesis: Walter Mazzarri. Reports of Kenedy lacking discipline and injuries kept him from playing and the loan was cancelled last January. Conte, by playing Kenedy in a FA Cup game that same month, tied Kenedy to the club for the remainder of the season per FIFA regulations.
A strong preseason came to a crashing halt after a social media scandal and Kenedy was sent home. Rumors of a loan floated around until the transfer window shut. Since then, Kenedy has only played in cup matches with the prospect of a loan in January being a possibility if Chelsea could bring in a left wingback.
On paper, the loan is a great idea. Since joining Chelsea, Kenedy has shown tons of promise but factors (both in his control and not) have prevented him from kicking on. Newcastle spent two windows courting him and finally got their man.
Really? Yes: Only Carlo Ancelotti has done more for youth than Antonio Conte
Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez was clearly delighted by the deal.
"Kenedy is a player that we have been following since the summer. The reason we are interested is that he can play in several positions – as a winger, a wing back and also as an offensive left full back, so he gives the team many options.He has a great left foot and good energy. He is still a young player but he has some experience already in the Premier League and that will help with his adaptation. We welcome him to Newcastle United."
Since Mourinho departed Chelsea, Kenedy has only been seen as a defensive left side option. Fans on both side of this deal believe Kenedy will be utilized as a more offensive winger. Benitez himself points to Kenedy’s versatility and is likely to use him in several ways before the season ends.
Due to Newcastle and Benitez’s long pursuit of the Brazilian, it is highly likely he slots straight into their starting lineup as they seek to stay in the Premier League. This is a fantastic opportunity for the young player to show his quality to the Chelsea hierarchy. If he can get past his off the field issues, he can return to Chelsea as a valuable and versatile star for many years to come.
And since the deal with Kenedy was always predicated on bringing in a replacement, Kenedy’s loan points to Chelsea’s pursuit of Emerson Palmieri’s transfer being successful. With this loan confirmed, expect confirmation of Emerson to Chelsea sometime between the EFL Cup fixture and the weekend’s FA Cup clash.
Next: Chelsea’s final predicted XI vs. Arsenal: Batshuayi, Hazard atop the 3-5-2
What do you think of Kenedy’s move? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!