After a superb stint on loan, Rafa Benitez has confirmed this week that we will be discussing a deal to bring Kenedy back to St James’ Park this summer – however it may be wise for the club to line up some back up options if a move fails to materialise.
With this in mind, here’s five wingers we could look at if the Brazilian stayed at Chelsea or earned a big money move elsewhere:
Adama Traore
The club were linked with a move for Spanish U-21 speedster last summer and he has since gone on to tear up the Championship for Middlesborough this season. He has pace, power and match winning ability and has shown clear signs of improved final ball, bagging 5 goals and 12 assists this season.
Xherdan Shaqiri
The Stoke City winger is believed to have a relegation release clause of just £14.5m, meaning he’s a bargain waiting to be had for several Premier League sides this summer. I’m not convinced he’s got the work rate or attitude Rafa demands, however he certainly possesses the quality we lack. He’ll have plenty of suitors, mind..
Andros Townsend
This may be a slightly unpopular one, but he showed just what he could do during his short-lived spell at St James’ Park, scoring 4 and assisting twice in 12 starts. He is two-footed, works hard, can score and create goals and also has some invaluable Premier League experience.
Gerard Deulofeu
The Spaniard looks all set to leave Barcelona this summer and is a player Benitez was believed to have made an enquiry for last year (according to the Chronicle). He’s spent the second half of the season on loan at Watford, but he may just fancy a permanent switch to Newcastle if Rafa came calling. He showed what he can do in flashes at Everton and is a player who could learn a lot under Benitez.
Demarai Gray
A real talent and a player who needs to be playing week in week out – however he’s often been in and out of Leicester’s side. He wouldn’t come cheap, but he may just swap a bit-part role at Leicester for a chance to be Rafa’s first-choice winger at NUFC.
Let us know your thoughts folks – would you be happy with any of these if we were unable to sign Kenedy?
