Winger extends Chelsea contract before leaving on loan
Kenedy has extended his contract with Chelsea before leaving the club to join Brazilian outfit Flamengo on loan.
The 25-year-old signed for Chelsea in 2015 but has only made 27 first-team appearances since then.
He’s had to rely on loan spells for game time and will do so again during the 2021/22 campaign.
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Kenedy has penned a contract of undisclosed length at Stamford Bridge. Flamengo have paid Chelsea a €500,000 (£425,000) loan fee and have the option to buy him for around £8.5million next year.
The winger, who can also operate as a wing-back, spent last season with Granada in Spain.
He enjoyed an impressive campaign, scoring eight goals and contributing six assists in 44 appearances.
His displays helped Granada to pick up their second successive top ten finish in La Liga.
Kenedy also featured against Manchester United in last season’s Europa League.
However, Granada were knocked out as the tie finished 4-0 in United’s favour.
Kenedy’s departure comes on the same day that Belgian striker Michy Batshuayi left Chelsea to join Besiktas.
The Blues, meanwhile, have handed record signing Romelu Lukaku their number nine shirt.
The number was left vacant following Tammy Abraham’s move to Roma.
Lukaku said: “I’m very happy and very fortunate to be in the situation.”
Speaking about the team dynamic, he added: “Cesar Azpilicueta’s the captain, he’s been here for many years, he’s a great captain. When I was in quarantine he was already messaging me, to help about houses and things like that.
“So in terms of leaders, there are many players that have big personalities in this dressing room.
“I’m one of the players who likes to connect everybody, and make everyone feel comfortable and give them confidence, because those players deserve to be Chelsea players and they showed that last season.
“So this dressing room has a lot of personality, which is what I like.
“It’s good to be back. As a footballer, you fight to achieve your dreams. I’m here now and I can’t wait to get on the pitch and perform with my team-mates.”
The 28-year-old also confirmed that he is fit to start against Arsenal this weekend.