OPINION
One of the success stories of this Newcastle United season has been the impact of Chelsea loanee Kenedy, who has been a big reason behind their upturn in form since January.
The Brazilian flyer has been scintillating for the Magpies since his temporary move from the Blues, scoring two goals and providing two assists in 12 appearances.
His boundless energy and hard-work on the left flank has given this Newcastle side a massive lift, and who knows where they would be in the table without his impact.
Attention will now turn to his future at St. James’ Park, with the 22-year-old set to return to Chelsea at the conclusion of the season this weekend.
And, if his latest comments are anything to go by, then Newcastle may have a massive task on their hands to make sure he stays this summer.
Speaking to ESPN Brazil, as quoted by football.london, Kenedy was asked if he knew where he would be playing next season, and replied: “Well, I don’t know. My contract here ends at the end of the season. Then I go back to Chelsea, and my agents will decide where to go. Then the battle begins again.
“At Chelsea there are lots of great players, so the chance was little. So I was not playing in a little while. Then this opportunity came, I was very happy I could come to have continuity, to have more time to play.
“Yes, it gives more confidence to come back and play. I had a long time without playing, I think I was a year and a little without playing. So I was happy to be able to play in the Premier League again.”
While there is nothing definitive within these comments to suggest exactly where Kenedy will end up next season, it does seem as though the flyer is eyeing up an attempt at getting back in the Chelsea first-team.
In saying his time at Newcastle has given him ‘more confidence to come back and play’, it does look as though the Brazilian is hoping for another chance at Stamford Bridge.
Rafa Benitez must therefore make sure he moves quickly for Kenedy this summer, before he gets the chance to stake his claim at Chelsea.
The wide man is obviously happy on Tyneside and surely wouldn’t turn down a permanent move, and with uncertainty surrounding the future of Antonio Conte at Chelsea, it does look like the sensible option.
Benitez must drop everything and fight tooth and nail for Kenedy, who is guaranteed to continue making a big impact for Newcastle next season.
