Newcastle United’s Kenedy has been struggling for form this season, and Rafa Benitez must now consider terminating his contract in January.
The winger has managed just one goal and one assist this season, a woeful return for one of Newcastle’s key attacking outlets.
On the back of his recent performances he’s unlikely to win back a place in the Chelsea squad. But he’s also unlikely to retain a starting place at Newcastle either.
Rafa Benitez’s big problem is that Premier League rules state a club can only have two loan players from fellow domestic clubs at one time.
With Salomon Rondon also currently on loan from West Brom, it means any other loan signings from the EFL are not allowed.
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Given how desperate Benitez is for new signings in January, it would surely benefit him to open up one of those loan spots.
Some Newcastle fans are particularly keen to free up a pathway for a more highly-rated player.
They’ve grown frustrated in recent weeks and can’t see Kenedy improving in the New Year.
Newcastle fans on Kenedy contract
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Rafa keen for Kenedy to stay
Unfortunately for Newcastle fans, Rafa seems keen to keep the Brazilian for the rest of the season.
It makes sense that the manager would prefer to keep the winger, as there is no guarantee he would even be able to replace him in January.
What’s most important for Benitez at the moment is squad depth. While he’s not exactly spoilt for choice, he still has a selection of wingers to choose from.
Christian Atsu is one player who has rose to the challenge after Kenedy’s dip. There’s hopes Jacob Murphy can also do the same.
Speaking to The Chronicle about Kenedy’s form and contract, Benitez said: “It is true that he is not playing at the level of last year.
“Sometimes players have confidence when they are doing things.
“He told me the other day that he knew he was not playing well and these mistakes mean that he loses a bit of confidence.
”We tried to explain to him that the only way to change that is to carry on, and hopefully he will do that. He will stay; at the moment, I think so.”
Benitez’s comments should give Kenedy confidence, but whether that will improve his performances remains to be seen.
