Newcastle seal Brazilian defender deal after fee agreed for January – report

Thu 21 December 2017 6:00, UK

Newcastle United have sealed the signing of Chelsea defender Kenedy ahead of the January transfer window, according to a report.

The Daily Mail claims that left-back Kenedy, 21, will join the Magpies on loan until the end of the season after a fee was agreed with the Premier League champions.

It is understood that Newcastle tried to sign the Brazil Under-23 international in the summer but were unable to strike up an agreement as Rafa Benitez struggled to snap up a number of targets.

However it now seems that Benitez will finally land his man when the transfer window opens in just days’ time.

Kenedy can not only operate at left-back but can also play on the left-wing.

He has made just three appearances across all competitions for Chelsea this season and the Mail reports that Antonio Conte sees the £6million former Fluminense flyer as surplus to his requirements.

Football Insider verdict

Newcastle really need some extra depth on the left-hand side of the squad and it seems that is why they have moved to sign Kenedy ahead of the January window opening up. The young Brazilian is very highly-rated but simply isn’t getting the first-team football required at Stamford Bridge so it makes sense for him to be among the glut of players to leave Chelsea on loan. Kenedy can play at left-back and that may be where Benitez will want to play him in the second half of the season. He offers a great deal of attacking threat so as long as he doesn’t get caught too high up the pitch then he should be quite a decent signing for the Magpies.