Schalke: Could Everton’s Meunier pursuit help Royal Blues keep Jonjoe Kenny?
FC Schalke 04 have a couple of talented loan signings in defense that they’d like to keep beyond the 2019-2020 season, and they may be getting a boost with right back Jonjoe Kenny.
In Jean-Clair Todibo and Jonjoe Kenny, FC Schalke 04 have made two wonderful loan signings. But one of the “good problems” with successful loan deals is that the team benefiting from the loan will want to make a permanent deal.
While Schalke have an option to buy Todibo from FC Barcelona – who, in turn, have an option to buy the young defender back – they don’t have the same opportunity with right back Jonjoe Kenny. The England international is on loan from Everton.
However, per a report from Le10 Sport, via Tom Coast of Sports Witness, Everton have a “pressing interest” in Thomas Meunier. The Belgian right wing back’s contract with PSG will expire this summer, and he’s fully expected to leave.
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Borussia Dortmund are early favorites and Atletico Madrid appear interested, but Everton could be a great fit for Meunier, especially with their attacking mindset.
If Everton sign Meunier, it makes it less likely for Kenny to return to the Toffees permanently. Everton could have room for both, but a Meunier signing on a free transfer would likely make Everton willing to sell Kenny to Schalke.
The worry from the Royal Blues perspective is that Kenny will be too expensive to purchase from Everton. They need a quality right back, and Kenny has the added benefit to Everton of being an England international.
However, if Everton view Meunier as an upgrade and can make additional cash off selling Kenny, they could reduce their fee. Kenny has taken to the Bundesliga nicely and is beloved by Schalke fans, so if he’s interested in staying with the Royal Blues, that could force Everton’s hand a little.
Although Kenny has taken some lumps at the right back position, he is a hard-working ball-progressor with plenty of upside due to his athletic ability. Kenny fits the mentality of Schalke as a physical player, too, so the team would undoubtedly love to keep him.
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With Kenny, it all comes down to Everton’s asking price. But their interest in Meunier could be a boost to Schalke if a deal happens. If Meunier ends up signing with a more successful club like Dortmund or Atleti, then Everton’s desire to have a standout right back will make it even less likely that they’ll sell Kenny at a reasonable price.