According to reports in Berkshire, ex-NUFC loanee Kenedy is now set to join Championship club Reading on loan this season in a move that has left Newcastle fans gobsmacked.
The Brazilian had an undeniably woeful second stint at S James’ Park last season, and was a big disappointment after so much was made of his season-long loan deal from Chelsea.
It’s left Kenedy’s career in a curious position, as he is still not wanted by Chelsea, but has now failed to impress elsewhere in the Premier League.
However a potential drop to the Championship for the 23-year old has surprised Newcastle fans, especially the rumoured move to Reading.
The club finished 20th last season and were lucky to escape the drop into League One, arguably well below the winger’s level.
Just a few months ago Newcastle had been given the option to make their loan deal with Kenedy permanent at a price of £30m ,but the Toon understandably snubbed the offer at the end of the season.
It’s truly amazing how far Kenedy’s stock fallen in such a short space of time.
Toon fans react to Kenedy to Reading rumour
https://twitter.com/ScoutNUFC/status/1159451246517989377
https://twitter.com/jkeatley1892/status/1159462898441347074
https://twitter.com/Kevin_Nichol/status/1159453849989632001
Kenedy at Newcastle
Kenedy originally joined Newcastle on loan from Chelsea in January 2018, and had initially impressed supporters with his pace and trickery.
The winger undoubtedly looked a fantastic talent, and although not phenomenal in all of his first 13 games for the club, he definitely looked like someone who could prosper in the Premier League.
But with competition still too tough at Chelsea, the London club were prepared to let him go, and agreed another loan deal with Newcastle for 2018/2019, except this time with an option to buy at £30m.
Although far too steep a price for Newcastle, given his potential and age (22 at the time), it was an understandable offer.
For many Newcastle fans, they were desperate for the club to buy Kenedy outright after years of underspending in the transfer market.
However within just months of the new season, supporters were sighing in relief that the club had not splashed out on the Brazilian.
With just one goal and one assist in 25 PL games, Kenedy completely failed to deliver for the Toon.
And a move to Reading now looks to be just another knockback in his career as he attempts to find his level.
Kenedy’s problems always appeared to be more from a lack of confidence than ability, and hopefully he will regain some with a season in the Championship.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
