Newcastle United have been pushed against the pits with a £20m price tag for Kenedy. Rafael Benitez is trying to drive the price down but Chelsea reportedly believe that the Brazilian is worth more. Now the Magpies will have to either look for replacements or pay the hefty fee for the winger.
Winning is sometimes rudimentary in football and in a relegation battle it all comes down to the players you sign in the mid-season transfer windows. With the lack of funds, Benitez played a masterstroke by bringing in Kenedy on loan from the Stamford Bridge in January.
While the Magpies were much closer to the relegation spots earlier in the year, the Spanish head coach calmly guided the side to the 10th spot of the Premier League with just three loan signings in the winter transfer window.
Kenedy arguably was the most influential, operating from the left wing and being directly involved in 4 goals. The Brazilian quickly settled into life at St James’ Park and flourished under the former Chelsea boss.
He was only considered sporadically by Antonio Conte at the Bridge but was handed over a starting spot at Tyneside almost immediately on his arrival. When asked Kenedy’s abilities, Benitez said “It’s more than his energy and pace, he is a player who is comfortable on the ball. His delivery, his crosses and set pieces, he is somebody who is different and he is a player playing with confidence now.”
“We already had a bit of pace with Atsu and Murphy and the ability and work rate of Ritchie, but Kenedy is good on the ball, he does not give it away easily and he gives us more control.”
Kenedy signed with the Blues in 2015/16 season for a £6.3m transfer from Fluminense. He was pegged to be a player for the future with the potential he had once showcased in the Brazilian top-flight.
However, the 22-year-old never could adjust to the demands at Chelsea and was hardly provided with the freedom to prove himself. Between Eden Hazard, Marcos Alonso and Emerson Palmieri in the squad, he is not good enough to scavenge a spot on the left wing.
Benitez will be able to offer him a much more involved role and the chance to fulfil his early promise. He also has been allowed to play in his more preferable attacking role than as a wingback.
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The question lies in whether Newcastle will agree to shell out Chelsea’s asking price for the winger.
