Versatile Chelsea midfielder Kennedy could be sent on loan to Leeds United, despite the Blues’ lack of options at wing-back. The 25-year-old Brazilian was loaned out to Flamengo at the start of the season, but Thomas Tuchel recalled him very early into the January transfer window.
Thomas Tuchel is struggling for options at left-wing bacl (Image: GETTY)
Since arriving from Fluminense in 2015, Kenedy has been loaned out to Watford, Newcastle United, Getafe, Granada, and most recently Flamengo.
He has only made 27 appearances for the west Londoners, 20 of which coming in Jose Mourinho’s final season at the Blues between 2015 and 2016.
Unfortunately, the left midfielder, who has also starred as a left-wing-back and an orthodox left-back has not been able to nail down a place at Chelsea.
And reports from the Telegraph understand Leeds are enthusiastic about the prospect of bringing him to Elland Road until the end of the season.
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Marcelo Bielsa’s side have also struggled under the strain of persistent injuries, and have often had to lean on their academy players to bulk up their fledgling squad.
And Kenedy could be the latest reinforcement in the Yorkshire based side’s quest to avoid Premier League relegation.
However, the fact Tuchel is happy to let him leave is perhaps a move which will raise plenty of eyebrows.
Chelsea desperately tried to recall left-back Emerson Palmieri from his loan spell with French giants Lyon, but failed in every attempt.
Despite offering compensation, they were met by a stubborn and obstinate Lyon side who insisted on keeping Emerson within their ranks.
Kenedy has already been loaned out on six occasions (Image: GETTY)
And Kenedy’s move is also surprising, as the German described the recall as a “huge opportunity for the Brazilian.
“Kenedy is back and I'm very happy about it. It is a huge opportunity for him to make his mark at this club and in this team,” Tuchel said in a press conference before their 1-0 away defeat to Manchester City.
“We will try from this day on to push and support him as good as we can.
"We cannot say Kenedy is the solution. He can be a solution. The situation has not changed, we have long-term injuries with the wing-backs.
"We suffered a lot in the midfield from covid and injuries and now our midfielders are more or less coming back we suffer with our central defenders.”