According to UOL, Flamengo are eyeing a move to sign Kenedy. The Chelsea midfielder has emerged as a target for the Brazilian outfit, who are also targeting Thiago Mendes of Olympique Lyon. The Premier League giants want a permanent sale, but Flamengo are open to the idea of signing the midfielder on a season-long loan deal.
Kenedy’s Story At Chelsea
A product of the Fluminense youth academy, Kenedy joined Chelsea way back in 2015 for a fee of €8 million. He played the first season at Stamford Bridge, featuring in just over 500 minutes of league football as Chelsea lost the league to Leicester City.
Unfortunately, he then became a victim of the club’s notorious loan policy that saw him getting shipped out to Watford on loan in 2016. The Brazilian picked up a nasty knee injury that derailed his progress at Watford, forcing the Hornets to put an early end to the loan contract.
Kenedy remained at Chelsea throughout the remainder of 2016/17 and the first half of the 2017/18 campaign, but could only muster a total of six competitive appearances. As such, he was sent on loan to Newcastle United in January 2018, followed by loan spells at Getafe and Granada.
The 25-year-old most recently played for Granada, making 28 league appearances during the 2020/21 campaign. He was not a regular starter, but his four goals and three assists were crucial while the midfielder also played a critical role in the club’s Europa League run.
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Should Chelsea Cash In On Kenedy?
Following a loan spell at Granada, Kenedy has returned to Stamford Bridge this summer. However, his future appears to be doubted, with Thomas Tuchel determined to filter out his squad ahead of the new season.
Having struggled with injuries and lack of game-time throughout his career in Europe, the Brazilian is unlikely to be considered as a viable option by the German tactician this summer. As such, he could be a part of the chopping block that already includes the likes of Tiemoue Bakayoko and Ross Barkley.
There is no secret that the club are hoping to upgrade their ranks in the middle of the park. So in many ways, Kenedy’s potential departure could be a major boon for Chelsea as it will open up some much-needed space in the midfield department.
The Blues should, in fact, push for the midfielder’s permanent exit rather than sending him away on yet another loan deal. The strict rules imposed by UEFA regarding loans have already affected Chelsea, so it would perhaps be wiser to permanently offload the Brazilian, who may favour a return to Brazil after struggling in Europe.
