Everton have released Jonjoe Kenny following the publication of their Premier League retained list at the end of the season.
Frank Lampard’s side offered him a contract extension, but he chose to leave Merseyside in quest of regular first-team play elsewhere.
However, Asmir Begovic, the club’s backup goalkeeper, has had a one-year option added to his contract, keeping him at Goodison Park for the time being, while fellow shot-stopper Andy Lonergan has also been handed a new contract to extend his stay.
A statement on the official club website on Saturday said: “Ahead of the release of the Premier League retained lists, Everton have taken up the option to extend Asmir Begovic’s deal for a further year – and offered a new contract to fellow goalkeeper Andy Lonergan.
“Jonjoe Kenny was also offered fresh terms but has decided to move on in pursuit of a new opportunity elsewhere.”
Kenny spent 16 years with Everton after attending the club’s academy at the age of nine. During that time, he made 50 Premier League appearances after loan spells with Celtic and Schalke in recent years.
Following his free transfer from Bournemouth last summer, Begovic made seven appearances for the club in all competitions during the 2021-22 season, with the Bosnian serving as a backup to England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford at Goodison Park.
The Toffees have also announced that ten young players, including Lewis Gibson, have been handed new contracts this summer.
