Jonjoe Kenny was granted a loan move away from Everton and will spend the season at Schalke 04. That leaves the door open to another right-back coming in and Mason Holgate could be the man Marco Silva calls upon to provide backup to Seamus Coleman.
The 22-year-old recently returned from a successful short-term loan spell at West Bromwich Albion, making 23 appearances in all competitions for the Baggies, which will boost his chances of returning to the first-team. Holgate had been on the periphery at Goodison Park, but Kenny has done him a favour.
Since joining Everton from Barnsley in 2015, Holgate has gone on to make 48 appearances in all competitions. The £25k-per-week defender amassed less than 500 minutes of playing time with the Toffees last season and will hope to get more action in 2019/20.
Holgate can operate at right-back and centre-back, meaning he’ll provide cover for Coleman, Yerry Mina and Michael Keane next season. Silva utilising the 22-year-old’s services could save Everton a lot of money – the Blues have been linked with Kieran Trippier and Thomas Meunier who could each cost more than £20m.
Silva has a decision to make whether to sign a new right-back or keep Holgate in the first-team.
Opinion: Marco Silva made a mistake letting £50k-per-week Everton man leave