Jonjoe Kenny joins Schalke from Everton

Schalke have signed England U21 right-back Jonjoe Kenny on loan from English Premier League side 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!”

Kenny (l.) is the second Evertonian to swap the Premier League for the Bundesliga in recent seasons, following Ademola Lookman's (r.) successful loan spell with RB Leipzig. - imago/Focus Images

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.