Jonjoe Kenny joins Schalke from Everton

Kenny made his top-flight debut with the Merseyside club as a 19-year-old in May 2016, and was part of the England U20 World Cup-winning team the following summer, but his path to the first-team was blocked by club vice-captain Seamus Coleman last season. Kenny is looking forward to making up for lost time.

“It’s a great opportunity for me to come to a new country and show my skills off on a big stage at Schalke,” enthused the player. “Schalke’s a club with an impressive history and fantastic fans. I’m happy to be here and can’t wait to get started!”

The Liverpool-born defender will look to play more minutes at the Veltins Arena next term. Schalke usually played with back three in 2018/19, but when they went four at the back Daniel Caligiuri or Weston McKennie – both midfielders – had to deputise.

“We’re very happy that we have managed to get Jonjoe Kenny to Schalke,” said sporting director Jochen Schneider. “We’ve now occupied the vacant position of right-back in accordance with our plans.”

Everton teammate Ademola Lookman enjoyed a fruitful spell on loan in the Bundesliga in 2018, scoring five goals in 11 appearances with RB Leipzig, and Kenny will be hopeful of having a similar impact, albeit at the other end of the pitch.