Newcastle sign Kenedy on season-long loan deal from Chelsea
Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez has landed his third summer signing after completing a season-long loan deal for Chelsea winger Kenedy.
The Magpies confirmed on Thursday that the 22-year-old Brazilian will spend the 2018-19 campaign at St James' Park after impressing during a loan spell during the second half of last season.
Benitez said: "I'm really pleased to have Kenedy back with us. I'm sure every fan will be happy with this signing.
"Hopefully he can keep playing at the same level that he reached with us last season. I wish him all the best for his time here."
Here's Kenedy training with the rest of the lads at @CartonHouse on the first day of United's training camp. We'll be bringing you more coverage from Ireland over the next few days! #NUFC 🇮🇪 pic.twitter.com/b6jwgU60HF
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) July 12, 2018
Kenedy made 13 appearances and scored two goals for the club as his pace and invention added a new weapon to Benitez's armoury, helping the team mount a spirited charge to finish 10th in their first season back in the Premier League.
Benitez indicated from the off that he was keen to secure the player's return either on a permanent basis or on loan again, and while his price tag - there were suggestions Chelsea were looking for up to £30million - may have proved prohibitive, the Spaniard will be delighted to have got his man.
Kenedy, who has joined up with the rest of the squad at the pre-season training camp in Ireland, too was happy to return after striking up an instant rapport with fans who appreciated the way he has played his football to date in a black and white shirt.
The midfielder said: "I am so happy with this interest from Rafa Benitez, that he came back for me. I want to keep it going, the work that I did here before, for the new season.
"I have received many, many messages on social media from the fans. They made me feel appreciated, so I wanted to come here in this new season and give everything on the pitch."
Kenedy follows keeper Martin Dubravka, who has completed a permanent switch from Sparta Prague after an equally impressive loan spell last season, and former Swansea midfielder Ki Sung-yueng in heading to Tyneside this summer.
However, the rebuilding work is far from done with Benitez, whose own future is still uncertain with just a year remaining on his contract, desperate for further additions as he once against works to a budget with owner Mike Ashley unwilling to break the bank.
The Magpies look to have missed out on striking target Alassane Plea, with Borussia Monchengladbach close to completing a deal for the Nice man, but West Brom's Salomon Rondon remains in their sights, as does Crystal Palace winger Andros Townsend.
However, they may have to sell to fund their recruitment drive with West Ham and Everton having been linked with skipper Jamaal Lascelles and Stoke making an approach for Matt Ritchie, although there is no real appetite to lose either man.
Serbia international Aleksandar Mitrovic is wanted by Fulham and Matz Sels and Chancel Mbemba both have their suitors and all three are available at the right price, while Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino is close to leaving after Real Sociedad activated a release clause in his contract.
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