Kenedy ‘exploring options’ beyond Chelsea — report

After a deadline day move to Reading broke down, it had appeared that young winger Kenedy was set to stay with Chelsea. The 23-year-old, who had spent the previous 18 months on loan at Newcastle, featured a fair amount in preseason, usually in his natural attacking roles rather than as a left back, and was looking like a surprise inclusion in Frank Lampard’s squad for the season ahead. But so far, Kenedy has not come close to featuring, and according to a report from Goal, is therefore “exploring” his options (though without mentioning anything more specific beyond that)

Complicating the situation is the fact that Kenedy’s contract is expiring next summer, which makes any loan less likely, unless he signs an extension first to ensure some resale value for next summer as well. But he apparently does not want to sign a new contract, and unfortunately for all involved, the rumor mill has been rather dry in terms of Kenedy rumors.

A solution will have to be found however before the European transfer window shuts on September 2. With Kenedy well down the pecking order behind Christian Pulisic, Pedro, Willian and the returning (soon!) Callum Hudson-Odoi, he’s not likely to play much if at all this season if he stays. And that definitely won’t get Chelsea any money next summer for the £6m signing from Fluminense in 2015.