Kenny loan return could open way for Everton move
Reports today claim that Bundesliga side Schalke 04 wish to take Everton right-back Jonjo Kenny back on loan again for another season. This could open the way for the Blues to bring in another player to compete with Seamus Coleman.
Kenny had a successful campaign in Germany last season and it appears as though Schalke are keen to reunite the Everton youth product with his former team-mates for another year.
As for the Toffees, this scenario could be of interest as it would presumably enable Everton to consider bringing in one of the many other full-backs they have been linked with.
However, a loan is not ideal, as the Blues would really want a sale bringing in something like £8-10 million. In these constrained and uniquely challenging times, that is much more difficult.
Kenny hasn’t convinced he’s the right man, especially defensively, and so should a deal to move him on be possible, I imagine the club will think seriously about taking it.
According to the story, the player himself is interested in going back to Germany, having enjoyed his time there and so sorting something out should be possible if both clubs want to.
Perhaps Everton could ask for a loan for a year with a commitment to buy, something like that would at least guarantee income in another twelve months.
This, together with suggested moves by other clubs for several current Toffees incumbents, Gylfi Sugurdsson, Mo Besic and Sandro, might bring in some much needed income as the club attempt to balance the books this summer.
I said I felt it was absolutely critical for Everton to focus on strengthening the midfield in this transfer window, even at the expense of all other areas of the team if necessary.
Assuming deals for James Rodriguez, Allan and Abdoulaye Doucoure are in the bag, then together with the hopefully returning Jean-Philippe Gbamin, Everton will have done just that and basically have a completely new midfield for next season.
Given that the Blues are spending a considerable amount to get these three in, it’s unlikely they will also be buying a winger, although a loan can’t be ruled out of course.
So perhaps the next priority should be finding a right-back who can defend solidly and also ideally offer a genuine attacking threat as well.
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This will bring the best balance with Lucas Digne on the left and give Carlo Ancelotti the maximum tactical flexibility.
As mentioned, the Toffees have been persistently linked with several players in this position; Alesandro Florenzi, Diogo Dalot, Santiago Arias and most recently, Emerson.
For me the player to bring in would be Emerson. However, this looks difficult as his main owners Barcelona want to sell if they are to part with him and he appears to want a club with European football, something the Toffees can’t offer.
The next best option would be Arias I think. Although he doesn’t have attacking qualities as good as Emerson’s, he’s very strong defensively at least.
Well one thing’s for sure, given how many South Americans are going to be on Everton’s books, neither player should have a problem settling in!