2018-19 Newcastle United player evaluation: Kenedy

Kenedy was a difference maker in 2017-18 for Newcastle United, but 2018-19 was a completely different story.

When Newcastle United finally added Kenedy on loan in January of 2018, he brought creativity and urgency to the club’s attack. Most fans were over the moon when the Brazilian was loaned in again from Chelsea last summer. Unfortunately, the player we saw in the 2017-18 season was nowhere to be found this season and he found himself comfortably outside of Rafa Benitez’s first choice squad. We look at his disappointing season and if there’s even an outside chance the club should bring him back.

2018-19 Premier League stats: 25 appearances, one goal, one assist, 32% cross accuracy

Durim Halimi

Kenedy is a unique player as he was fervently welcomed on Tyneside last January, but was also the most criticized player by fans upon the conclusion of the 2018-19 campaign. No one knows what happened to Kenedy. He went from a top player who influenced Newcastle United’s attacks to being one of the most careless players who gave the ball away several times a game like it was for charity. We all know the Brazilian youngster is talented and athletic because we witnessed it last term, but he was a major disappointment.

Deep down, I feel that Kenedy has sufficient skills to be a regular starter for the Magpies on the wing, but not for the asking price set forth by Chelsea. For 30M, Newcastle United can buy Salomon Rondon and Wesley Moraes. However, seeing that Kenedy is not in Chelsea’s future plans, if the Toon can get a significant discount on Kenedy’s asking price then I think they should buy him and help him develop into the potential star he can become. Unpopular opinion, I know, but the 23-year-old is a top talent.

2019-20 NUFC outlook: Sign This Man

Carson A. Merk

Who has two thumbs and regrets buying a Newcastle United Kenedy away kit this season? *Gestures towards himself with two thumbs* Yes, I had high expectations for the Chelsea winger after an eye-opening first stint with the club. He didn’t look fit or interested in his time with the Magpies this season. Imagine if he had been in good form and could have played that left wing back position instead of Matt Ritchie! But, alas, he was an afterthought for much of the season. His penalty miss against Cardiff City was a notable dark moment in the campaign.

This is a potentially toasty take, but I would be open to Newcastle United purchasing Kenedy from Chelsea for a fee much less than the numbers that have been thrown around. He’s only 23 years old and I think his natural ability on the ball still makes him an intriguing prospect. With experience playing on the backline, could he develop into a Premier League-quality left back? For a bargain, I think Newcastle United should consider bringing him back on a permanent move.

2019-20 NUFC outlook: Sign This Man