Everton boss Marco Silva has said the club will decide on the future of young right-back Jonjoe Kenny “next week”.
The 22-year-old has made 12 appearances for the Toffees first team this term, but his chances have been restricted due to Seamus Coleman’s dominance in the role.
Speaking to the Liverpool Echo, Silva said that the club must decide if it is worth keeping Kenny around or whether the defender would be better off on a loan spell next season.
“It is one conversation we will have with him, for sure, to decide the best situation with Jonjoe,” the manager said.
“To stay, and keep his competition with Seamus Coleman, because he is always behind him and I gave opportunities to him this season because during the week he showed me he is able to compete and to play.
“It is up to us now decide if we want another season of him and Seamus competing or if it would be better for him to play often and often to become stronger.
“It is one decision we will take next week.”
OPINION
Kenny would be better off going on loan, although there is hope of an Everton stay. Coleman – like in many a previous season for Everton – has been imperious in the right-back role, making 30 Premier League appearances and chipping in with two goals and two assists in all competitions too. There is no way that Silva would choose to field Kenny above Coleman unless the latter was injured and, despite Kenny playing in nine league games this term, you have to say that his best chances would be in the cup competitions next season. The Toffees were dreadful in this year’s cups, losing to Southampton penalties in the League Cup before being dumped out of the FA Cup by Millwall, and if Everton can go on a cup run next season, Kenny could feature. However, there will likely also be countless opportunities for Kenny to go and get regular game time in the Championship too.