According to the Chronicle’s Mark Douglas, Rafa Benitez is already eyeing the possibility of securing Kenedy on a season-long loan deal next season – but admits that he would cost ‘big money’ if we wished to sign him permanently in the summer.
Since arriving on loan from Chelsea in January he’s added a lot to this Newcastle side, not only delivering assists in his debut against Burnley and the 1-1 draw at Palace, but making the headlines on Saturday after scoring two goals in the 3-0 win over Southampton.
At just 22 he’s clearly a real talent and fans have already questioned whether he’s someone we’ll see stick around at NUFC when his loan deal from Chelsea expires.
On that subject, Mark Douglas wrote the following over the weekend in a piece for the Chronicle, suggesting that another loan deal is a ‘possibility’ if Rafa remains at the club this summer:
“Benitez certainly fancies taking Newcastle further.
“There could be more to come. Match winner Kenedy is a Chelsea player but another season-long loan next season is a possibility if Benitez stays.
“So too are the sort of deals that saw Martin Dubravka – a goalkeeping upgrade – land at Newcastle in January.”
When it comes to a potential permanent deal for the 21-year-old this summer, Douglas admitted that it would take ‘big money’ to make it official, suggesting that Chelsea may be inclined to give him a shot at Stamford Bridge – providing Conte’s expected replacement likes him:
More likely they might play him. Depends on whether their next manager fancies him. Would cost BIG money.
— Mark Douglas (@MsiDouglas) March 11, 2018
Let’s be fair, if he does what’s required to keep us up but then returns to Chelsea and makes it then we can have no complaints.
He does look a real talent, however, so having him around for another season (or more!) could be a real coup for Rafa!
Why try to demonise Mitrovich when he states what is quite obvious? Fulham are making good use of his striking ability and not attempting to change his style of play.
Ken Pattie(Quote)