Newcastle hoping to sign Kenedy permanently after impressing on loan | OneFootball

Newcastle want to sign Kenedy from Chelsea on a permanent basis this summer after impressing since signing on loan in January.

The 22-year-old has already started more Premier League games for Rafael Benitez’s side (six) than in the previous two-and-a-half years he has been at Chelsea.

Chelsea initially rejected Newcastle’s request to include an option to buy Kenedy outright – who scored twice against Southampton – as part of the loan negotiations.

“It’s more than his energy and pace, he is a player who is comfortable on the ball,” explained Magpies boss Rafa Benítez.

“His delivery, his crosses and set pieces, he is somebody who is different and he is a player playing with confidence now.

“His goals will help that. We already had a bit of pace with Atsu and Murphy and the ability and work rate of Ritchie, but Kenedy is good on the ball, he does not give it away easily and he gives us more control.”

“Can we keep him after the end of the season? I think at the moment we have to make sure we enjoy him while he is here.

“His attitude has been fine. We have an advantage because, although Spanish and Portuguese are not the same, they have very similar words so this helps me speak to him.

“It always helps when a crowd like this takes to you straight away. The move has suited everybody.

“He has slotted in very well and, to be fair, the atmosphere between players is very good.

“He is a young player, he is quiet, but he has a good relationship with all the players. There are some players he can talk with a little bit more, he can speak Portuguese with them.

“He has the possibility to express himself here. He wants to play football and he is doing that really well.”