Newcastle United are closing in on their first signing of the winter transfer window and look set to complete a loan deal for Chelsea fullback Kenedy. According to a recent report in the English press, the Magpies are closing in on the Blues youngster and could seal a move for his signature in the coming days. The Tyneside club has been keeping tabs on the player since last summer and has monitored his development at Stamford Bridge. Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez is now ready to offer him regular first-team football at St. James Park for the remainder of the campaign.
The Magpies were interested to bring him to Tyneside last summer but Antonio Conte’s side were reluctant to let him leave without finding a replacement first. The addition of Kenedy could potentially address their troubles in the left-back position this season. Paul Dummett has failed to feature regularly for the Magpies while Massadio Haidara is yet to make a first-team appearance under Benitez this term. Kenedy is highly versatile and can operate as a left-back or in a more advanced position in left midfield.
At 21, Kenedy has made a total of 6 appearances for Chelsea in this campaign, scoring a goal and providing 3 assists so far across all competitions. He has also represented his nation Brazil and has earned some experience at the international stage playing in the youth ranks for his country.
Let’s take a look at how Newcastle United might line up with Kenedy in Benitez’s first team.
5-4-1 Newcastle United Predicted Lineup With Kenedy In The Starting Eleven
Defence
Karl Darlow will start in goal for the Magpies and will be shielded by a back five consisting of Isaac Hayden, Jamaal Lascelles and Ciaran Clark as central defenders while Javi Manquillo takes his place on the right side of the backline and Kenedy starting in the left-back position.
Rafael Benitez’s side has conceded 34 goals in 24 league matches but the Spanish manager will now hope that his defenders can improve on that record in the second half of the campaign with the potential signing of Kenedy lining up in his starting eleven.
Midfield
Jonjo Shelvey and Mohamed Diame will start as the holding midfielders while Jacob Murphy looks to penetrate and do damage on the right flank and Christian Atsu operating on the left side of the midfield.
Attack
Joselu will lead the lines for Newcastle United up top and will look to bang some goals in which might help his side avoid the drop this season.
