Stubbs backs Celtic to make permanent move for Everton defender Kenny
Former Everton defender Alan Stubbs has backed Celtic to sign loanee Jonjoe Kenny on a permanent deal this summer.
The Everton right-back moved to Parkhead in January after falling behind both Mason Holgate and Seamus Coleman in the pecking order at Goodison Park.
Since moving to Glasgow however the 23-year old has impressed for the Hoops, having played the duration of every league game since joining the club.
Having coached Kenny during his time with Everton’s academy set-up, the former centre-back isn’t surprised that the Everton man has taken well to life in Scotland.
As reported by the Daily Record, Stubbs admitted that it would be a “no brainer” if Celtic could bring him back to Glasgow ahead of next season.
Stubbs said: “If you are asking me the question about whether Celtic should try to keep him [Kenny], I’d say it’s a no-brainer – 100 per cent.
“It all depends on what various parties want to do. What Jonjoe wants to do, what Everton want to do. Just as importantly, what Celtic’s next manager wants to do.
“But there are a lot worse options out there than Jonjoe, that’s for sure. And it’s not just about ability with him. It’s what he brings to the party in terms of everything else. There was never any doubt about Jonjoe being a good player but I can’t speak highly enough about him.”
Good deal for all parties
Should Celtic reignite interest in Kenny in the summer it seems as though it could be a deal that benefits everybody.
Everton need a new long-term right-back in the summer, with Holgate better in the middle and with Coleman beginning to show his age, and Carlo Ancelotti hasn’t shown any sign that he might consider Kenny to be that future player that the club need.
Kenny only played four times for Everton in the Premier League this season, with three of those appearances lasting less than five minutes [Transfermarkt], indicating that Ancelotti never really saw him as someone who had a place in his Premier League squad.
If Celtic are willing to pay whatever Everton demand for him this summer, and if Kenny is willing to move to Parkhead on a permanent basis, a sale is something the club should definitely consider when the transfer window reopens.
Kenny’s sale would free up transfer funds and it would allow him to continue playing on a regular basis. Definitely a win-win.