Celtic could make the loan deal with Everton for Jonjoe Kenny a permanent one, according to Noel Whelan.
The one-time Premier League striker was speaking to Football Insider regarding his views on Kenny’s potentially extended career at Parkhead after the Hoops defeated Kilmarnock 4-0 in midweek. The 23-year-old went straight into the starting XI for that game, keeping a clean sheet for his new side in the process.
The Evertonian signed on deadline day as a direct replacement for ex-Manchester City right-back Jeremie Frimpong, who joined Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen for a fee surpassing £11m earlier in the window.
Burnley had previously been in advanced talks for a permanent move to Turf Moor for Kenny, but the club could not agree a fee with Everton – hence a late Celtic move against expectations.
Whelan spoke to Football Insider on how Kenny could excel at Parkhead, saying:
He’s a young player that probably needs to play regularly.
He’s gone to a big club, yes they’re having an up and down season and are not going to win the league. But it looks like now they’re trying to rebuild a little bit.
I know it’s a loan but it might turn into a permanent if he puts in performances that are worthy of a bid from Celtic.
The opportunity is there for him to be at a big, big club next season. If he was required at Everton they would have not let him go. It seems to me he’s available for a permanent move as well.
Read Everton Verdict
Reportedly valued internally at Goodison Park at around £7m, it seems clear that Everton are keen to move him on.
A Celtic move could well be the gateway to a permanent switch elsewhere, as Kenny looks to place himself in the shop window ahead of a summer transfer.
