According to FourFourTwo, Kenedy is increasingly keen on leaving Stamford Bridge before the end of the ongoing summer transfer window. The Chelsea star fears he is excluded from new manager Frank Lampard’s plans for the 2019/20 campaign. The Blues, however, are reluctant to let him leave. Instead, they want to extend his contract which expires next summer and send him out on loan.
Kenedy’s career after joining Chelsea
Kenedy initially joined Chelsea back in 2015, in an €8 million move from Fluminense. And after failing to break into the first-team in his debut campaign in England, he was sent to Watford on loan the following summer. His spell at Watford was tarnished by a knee injury that kept him out for over 100 days.
At the start of last year, Newcastle United approached to sign Kenedy on loan. The Brazilian had a promising start to his spell in Tyneside, putting in some good performances during the backend of the 2017/18 campaign. But, he was more or less a fringe player for the Magpies last season, mustering only 1,343 minutes of league football.
Kenedy returned to Chelsea this summer as Newcastle United did not sign the 23-year-old permanently. In this new season, he was a substitute in the opening game against Manchester United. But, he was left out of the squad that faced Leicester City.
What does Kenedy offer to the table?
Primarily a left-sided midfielder, Kenedy is known for his work-rate on the far side. The Brazilian can make bursting runs on the left-flank that allows him to provide extensive attacking support in the final third. But, he is also adaptive when it comes to positioning as the 23-year-old can easily switch to a left-back and is especially useful when operating as a wing-back.
Additionally, Kenedy has a vicious left foot while he also loves to take on defenders – making him quite an all-rounded wide player.
Should Chelsea let go of Kenedy?
With Marcos Alonso struggling to make himself a key component of Lampard’s defensive unit, Kenedy could be utilised as an ideal alternative for Emerson at left-back this season. Besides, the Blues’ transfer ban means that they need to keep hold of as many players as possible.
Furthermore, the Brazilian could have been utilised further up the pitch, as a backup for the likes of Callum Hudson-Odoi and Willian. The potential departure of Kenedy, therefore, could turn out to be a massive blow for the west London giants. But at the same time, given his lack of opportunities in the Chelsea first-team, it’s understandable that he wants to leave the club this summer.
