Fans expect poker with Sheffield
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At least as things stand, Hertha BSC is not letting its right-back Jonjoe Kenny go, who is willing to move, and is foregoing income of around one million euros. The “Kicker” reported on this, among others. But it may just be the beginning of transfer poker. The 27-year-old really wants to follow Sheffield United’s advances, but is not given the go-ahead for the English second division club, even though he had publicly communicated his wish. Kenny seems to be too important for the Berliners’ sporting plans and is also scheduled to play against Hamburger SV on Saturday evening (8:30 p.m.). Coach Cristian Fiél sees no problem for the capital club after the transfer veto.
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“As of today, he is my player. As of today he is in training. And as of today he is training the way I would like to see it,” said the 44-year-old according to the “Tagesspiegel”. So far, Kenny has been at full throttle. “But I have to have the feeling that I’ll get his 100 if I line him up.” There’s no need to talk about the qualities of the Liverpool native, he has “a great right foot, he’s aggressive in a duel, gives you one good flank and is dynamic”. Skills that Hertha BSC would like to continue to rely on.
As only one of eight outfield players in the 2nd Bundesliga, Kenny was on the field for the entire 1,620 minutes in 18 games this season. No other Hertha professional has such consistency, especially since Kenny also played on the right side for a total of 300 minutes in the three DFB Cup games. With a market value of 2.5 million euros, he is, together with the two central defenders Márton Dárdai (22) and Linus Gechter (21), the most valuable defensive player in the Old Lady’s squad. A nominal replacement on the right side is not available as Deyovaisio Zeefuik (26) is the only solution for the left side while Jeremy Dudziak (29) is out with his adductor injury. Michal Karbownik (23), who played both positions last year, will be used by Fiél this season primarily in central midfield.
According to Sky Sports, Kenny has already agreed a contract with Sheffield until 2029. Which he subsequently confirmed. As of today, he won’t be able to sign until the summer. “Yes, it’s true that Sheffield want to sign me immediately and I want to take that step too. I really love Hertha BSC and have a lot to thank the club for. It was exactly the right step for me at the time and I always gave 100 percent for the club’s success from day one and I still will. In the last few years my girlfriend and I have become parents and a lot has changed for us away from the football field. I now really want to use this opportunity for my family and return to our home country together. Sheffield is offering me this opportunity and I sincerely hope that the clubs can reach an agreement that allows me to leave Berlin with great gratitude and on good terms.”
This is what the TM community thinks: Is Kenny leaving Hertha after the HSV game?
In the TM community, Hertha fan and user “marvstar” put forward a theory: “My gut feeling tells me that the decision to leave has already been decided internally and that they insisted that he still play against HSV, as there is no alternative yet was found in time. I can’t prove that, just a gut feeling. I say he leaves for England on Monday and we will present an alternative next week. Let’s see. I am excited. If all sides play poker correctly, you can get a base amount of 1.2-1.3 million. Every cent can only help.”
User “Stuermerscout” said: “I hope they take the last chance to get a transfer for Kenny, even if it is undoubtedly a big loss in terms of sport. Our starting point is actually clear. Kenny will not extend his contract with Hertha.” The right-footer will be on the market for a free transfer in the summer.