According to Bild, Jonjoe Kenny ‘wants to stay’ at FC Schalke 04 next season rather than return to Everton. It’s bad news for the Toffees as he’s been in fine form during his loan spell at the Veltins Arena and would improve Carlo Ancelotti’s defence.
Kenny had a chance of replacing Djibril Sidibe and ousting Seamus Coleman at right-back, but it doesn’t appear he’s interested in the chance to do so just yet.
Bild say Schalke are keen to retain Kenny’s services and the feelings are mutual, but Everton would need to agree to another loan deal and it remains to be seen if they’d green-light the move as they may need the 23-year-old.
Djibril Sidibe looked set to be signed permanently after impressing on loan earlier in the campaign, but Everton appear to have made a U-turn on the decision after inconsistent form in 2020.
Bouna Sarr has been cited as a potential target if Sidibe was sent back to his parent club this summer, but it would be far easier for Everton to bring back a player on their books.
Kenny joined the Merseysiders’ academy at the age of nine and has made 40 first-team appearances in all competitions. Coleman, meanwhile, turns 32 in October and is in the eve of his career, so a replacement will need to be identified regardless.
Marcel Brands is looking to lower the average age of the squad by replacing older deadwood with young talent, but they’ve still not made their mind up about Kenny. His last appearance for Everton came in March 2019, but he hasn’t played better than when he’s represented Schalke.
As per WhoScored, the 23-year-old has created 13 chances, completed 74% of his 916 passes, won 25 aerial duels (46%), whipped in 49 crosses with 24.5% accuracy, made eight successful dribbles (53.3%), blocked 34 shots/crosses/passes, made 59 clearances and averaged a tackle (34) or interception (19) every 39 minutes.
His future appears to be up in the air after Bild’s latest report, however.