Transfer Update: Kenedy ‘surprised’ to see his loan spell at Flamengo terminated by Chelsea
According to O Dia (h/t Football.London), Chelsea recently recalled Robert Kenedy from his loan spell with Flamengo, and the decision has shocked the Brazilian star.
Kenedy joined Chelsea in 2015, but the Brazilian never cemented a spot in the starting XI on a regular basis. He has made just 15 league appearances for the West London team and has been shipped out on many loan spells.
The 25-year-old spent time with Watford, Newcastle, Getafe and Granada before moving to his home country, where he finally seemed to have found the rhythm. It is clear he has had no future as a senior Chelsea player recently, up until now.
Kenedy joined Flamengo in a season-long loan deal last summer and was impressive for a team that won the Brazilian title last season. However, Chelsea have now made a surprise decision to call him back.
Kenedy suggested that Flamengo summoned him on Tuesday night to communicate the situation, and the Brazilian had limited time to respond.
“I was taken by surprise. I found out yesterday (Tuesday) night around 11 pm. Everything was very fast. Chelsea had a contract with Flamengo. They asked me to present myself, and I’m presenting myself. It was Flamengo that told me. I’m just fulfilling the contract.”
A future at Chelsea?
It is believed that Flamengo had the option to make Kenedys’ move permanent. However, they had to communicate their intention in December, which they didn’t.
Even though it’s not known why Chelsea recalled Kenedy, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano claimed that the Brazilian could be shipped to another loan move with the final decision yet to arrive from Thomas Tuchel and the board.
Our team immediately needs a left wing-back in order to tackle Ben Chilwell’s injury situation. Marcos Alonso is the only recognized player in that area, and our team would face massive difficulty if the Spaniard gets injured as well. The transfer priority for the January window was obvious, but our board hasn’t brought in any reinforcements until now.
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Tuchel could seek to use Kenedy out wide. He has consistently played as a left midfielder during his career and can certainly be a candidate to play down the left-hand side at times. But it remains to be seen if the former Borussia Dortmund and PSG manager takes this route to solve the Chilwell issue- one which would certainly surprise fans given Kenedy’s lack of experience playing for Chelsea and in a defensive role.