It’s official – Newcastle United have confirmed the signing of Kenedy, with the Chelsea winger agreeing to a season-long loan deal which will see him spend the 2018/19 season at St James’ Park.
After a successful spell on Tyneside during the second half of last season, it was always clear that Benitez wanted to bring the 22-year-old back to the club and, after a few months of trying, it’s great to see the gaffer get his wish.
He’ll now link up with the first-team squad ahead of our annual pre-season camp in Ireland tomorrow, meaning his arrival will come as perfect timing for Benitez as we step up our preparations for the new season.
? You can watch Kenedy's exclusive first interview for free on NUFC TV.https://t.co/j5b0Vu5Eq2 #NUFC pic.twitter.com/IzesQagHkp
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) July 12, 2018
Here’s what he’s had to say:
“I am so happy with this interest from Rafa Benítez, that he came back for me,”
“I want to keep it going, the work that I did here before, for the new season.
“I have received many, many messages on social media from the fans.
“They made me feel appreciated, so I wanted to come here in this new season and give everything on the pitch.”
It sounds like it’ll be a straight season-long loan with NO option to buy in place at present, however it has been reported in the capital that we’ll have the ‘first option’ to sign him next summer.
It’s not ideal, but either way, it’s great to see him back in black and white for at least another season, with this coming as a huge boost for Benitez, us fans and the players following our return to pre-season training.
With just under a month of the window left to run, hopefully he’s the first of many positive signings for Benitez this summer!
