Official: Kenedy joins Getafe on loan from Chelsea

A less than satisfactory season-long loan stint at Newcastle, right after a half-season spell that showed lot of promise from Chelsea attacker Kenedy, might have set him back a few steps in his career. Now in a bid to renew our hopes — and his own — the Brazilian has joined La Liga club Getafe on a season-long loan deal.

Before moving to Chelsea in summer 2015, Kenedy made his name with Fluminense in Brazil. Acting as a second striker and winger for the Rio de Janeiro side, the then 19-year-old caught the eyes of the English club who brought him to London by paying a £6.3 million transfer fee.

But instead of heading out on loan immediately, as most players of his age and repute do at Chelsea, he was integrated into the first-team by manager José Mourinho. Chances for him were few and far between, but he did get valuable playing time and experience in his debut season in England.

Still, there were not too many opportunities for Kenedy to feature. And that could only be addressed by the good ol’ “loan army”, which he joined by heading out on a season-long stint at Watford the following season.

However, his time at Vicarage Road was less than optimal. He had one appearance — a 15-minute cameo during a 2-0 loss to Burnley — in what became a loan deal cut short mid-season after his struggles with injuries.

Redemption would come a year after his return to Stamford Bridge, as he joined Newcastle on a half-season loan deal that became a one-and-a-half year stint. Unfortunately for him, the last two thirds of his time at St. James’ Park were not as positive as the first one, with dwindling playing opportunities accompanying his decline in form.

At Getafe, Kenedy should hope to rediscover his form and carry it forward in a league known for allowing players with pace and dribbling skills like him to shine. It is all on him to beat any competitors for a starting eleven spot, and show Chelsea’s brass that he deserves at glory.

Good luck, Kenedy!