Everton defender Jonjoe Kenny is ready to leave Goodison if he doesn’t get chances.
Carlo Ancelotti revealed ahead of the Fulham tie that Everton captain Seamus Coleman is ruled out for their trip to Craven Cottage. It was expected that Coleman’s deputy Jonjoe Kenny would fill in for the experienced Irishman. However, the gaffer decided to deploy Alex Iwobi in a wing back role.
The opportunities have been a bare minimum for Kenny. The young Englishman has donned an Everton shirt for just four times this season with just one Premier League appearance. The 23 year old had a bright start when he featured in the EFL Cup and was praised for solid performances.
However, chances haven’t come easily. Kenny spent the last season on loan at Schalke 04 where he excelled and garnered a lot of applause for his development in one season. The summer bred uncertainty over Kenny’s future. Die Knappen came knocking on Everton’s door with another loan offer. However, the idea was pretty clear that the Royal Blues would rather sell him than loan him. In case no buyer came around, Ancelotti would like to keep Kenny and include him in the team.
The Italian has backed the Englishman to succeed at Goodison. No summer sale meant that Kenny was set to be in Ancelotti’s plans. However, things have changed pretty quickly. According to The Athletic (via Inside Futbol), Kenny is ready to leave Everton if his playing time doesn’t improve.
More from Prince Rupert's Tower
- Everton 0 Arsenal 1: Blues fall to third home defeat
- Further chaos in Everton takeover as other lenders not keen on 777 Partners
- Everton need repeat of Arsenal win to kick-start their season on Sunday
- More madness at Everton as Moshiri now agrees to sell club to 777 Partners
- Everton takeover talk cools after UK govt doubts and further questions
From what we have seen so far from Kenny, one can deduct that the right back has plenty of potential and needs to unlock it by playing regular games and that can be achieved by staying at Everton too. Kenny could be the heir to Coleman’s throne at Merseyside but transition won’t happen instantly.
First the 23 year old needs to work on his weaknesses and continuously learn from the veteran Coleman. Being Coleman’s understudy allows Kenny to learn the art from one of the best. If it had just been about playing time, the Merseysiders would have simply loaned the academy product. However, they want Kenny to blossom under Ancelotti’s and Coleman’s counsel.
At 23, if he makes up his mind to leave, the Toffees can cash in on him and get a decent amount for him. However, staying at Goodison and remaining patient makes more sense. Coleman will sooner or later run out of juice and will need to be replaced. Kenny would be waiting in the wings to take over.
Kenny has a decision to make and Everton need to act accordingly. If he decides to leave, Marcel Brands will have his work cut out in signing an able successor to Coleman.