Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez has confirmed that the club are on the brink of securing a deal for Chelsea winger Kenedy to return to the club in an update on the club’s summer business.
The Magpies have seen two players put pen to paper to sign for the club already, Martin Dubravka turning his loan from Sparta Prague into a permanent move and former Swansea City midfielder Ki Sung Yeung arriving at St James’ Park on a free transfer, and the Brazilian looks to be capture number three.
As quoted on the Twitter account of Chronicle journalist Chris Waugh, a move for the Blues flyer is “very close”, and Benitez says that Jamaal Lascelles is not for sale as he seeks some more new recruits ahead of the upcoming campaign.
Rafa has just confirmed that Lascelles is not for sale – also said Kenedy deal is “very close” & is pleased to be working with the Brazilian again, but has challenged him to score more goals. Wants further signings too, but Kenedy is the one that’s close #nufc
— Chris Waugh (@ChrisDHWaugh) July 10, 2018
Opinion
It is great news for the Magpies that Kenedy is close to sealing a deal on Tyneside once again, for it is a move that will have the Toon Army delighted to see his return. There was a sense of deja vu settling over the city as Newcastle once again started slowly in the transfer market but the Brazilian’s capture, with a whole host of sides reportedly in the hunt, will give the supporters some hope that this could turn out to be a positive summer for the club. Still, it is said to be only a loan move and the fans will no doubt be desperate to see some actual signings through the door at St James’ Park, for Dubravka and Ki are hardly the sort of signings who the St James’ Park faithful are going to get on the back of their shirts ahead of next season. Kenedy on the other hand is that mercurial talent that all supporters, no matter which club they support, love to watch, and it will be a treat for those on Tyneside getting to watch him tear it up week in, week out next season.