Lampard faces first Everton exit hint following Toffees' brush with relegation

Everton defender Jonjoe Kenny admits it is possible that he will return to Germany next season following a loan spell at Schalke earlier in his career.

The 25-year-old spent the 2019-20 campaign on loan in the Bundesliga where he played 34 times in all competitions, the most he has ever played in a season so far during his professional senior career.

Kenny's contract at Goodison Park is set to expire this summer and it is uncertain whether he will be offered fresh terms by Frank Lampard's side after they narrowly avoided relegation out of the top-flight for the first time in over 70 years.

The defender, who saw 11 of his 15 league appearances come under Lampard in the second half of last season, says that wherever he is playing his football, he has to feel comfortable, adding that a return to Germany would interest him.

"Trust, playing time and development," Kenny told German TV channel Sport1. "That's important to me. I have to feel comfortable, but basically a lot is possible.

"Schalke is the only club from the Bundesliga that I have played for, so of course I have a special bond there. But there are many interesting clubs in Germany, the league offers a lot."

Where will Everton finish in the 2022/23 season under Frank Lampard? Have your say in the comments section.

Everton only escaped danger officially in their penultimate game of the season. Going 2-0 down to Crystal Palace at Goodison Park, the Toffees came back in the second half to win 3-2, with Michael Keane, Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin all getting on the scoresheet.

Kenny may not be the only potential exit out of Goodison Park this summer, with his contract close to expiring. Midfielder Allan has been linked with a return to Serie A while strikers Richarlsion and Dominic Calvert-Lewin have been credited with interest from Arsenal.

Calvert-Lewin, who missed out on the latest England squad for upcoming Nations League clashes with Hungary, Germany and Italy, has also been credited with interest from Newcastle United.

Everton's 16th placed finish during the 2021-22 season was their lowest league finish in almost two decades, with their previous worst finish coming in 2003-04 when the Toffees finished in 17th.

Kenny has been at Everton for the last 16 years, first joining the youth teams in 2006. Since turning professional the defender has played 68 first-team games for Everton, with 50 coming in the Premier League.

While at Everton, Kenny has been out on loan at Wigan Athletic, Oxford United, Schalke and Celtic.