Newcastle’s Deadline Day was dominated by Islam Slimani’s loan move to Tyneside but on the final day of the transfer window, it was another mid-season loan signing who shone the brightest – exciting young winger Kenedy.
Newcastle signed the prodigious Brazilian last week and he’s already had a positive impact on a side that have averaged less than a goal per game in the Premier League this season, providing an assist for Jamaal Lascelles with a delicious delivery into the box from a corner in a 1-1 draw with Burnley last night.
And that was by no means the 21-year-old’s only telling contribution. As well as creating the most chances and launching the most accurate crosses of any Newcastle player, he also hit the bar early in the first half and won a penalty which Joselu failed to convert.
It was an exciting, confident and dynamic performance from the youngster, who Transfermarkt value at £6.3million, but that in turn raises questions over why exactly he’s been allowed to leave Stamford Bridge when he’s already emerged as the Man of the Match in a Premier League fixture.
Of course, his departure preceded the arrival of Emerson Palmieri from Roma. But why have Chelsea spent £17.6million on a new recruit when their promising young wide-man looks more than capable of contributing to a campaign that won’t see the Blues win the Premier League title?
Surely this final stretch of the season, with not much to play for in the top flight, would have been the perfect opportunity to give Kenedy the game-time he needs – whether it’s at wing-back or further forward – to truly stake a claim for a regular berth in west London.
Unfortunately, this kind of complaint is nothing new as far as the reigning champions are concerned.
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