Celtic's Callum McGregor in action with Rangers' Ryan Kent
Ex-Rangers midfielder Barry Ferguson believes Ryan Kent could be offered a release clause in a new Gers contract in order to keep him at Ibrox.
The Lowdown: Kent’s future
There is real concern at Ibrox that Kent may be heading towards the exit door, with his contract set to expire at the end of the season and no extension appearing to be close.
The 26-year-old first arrived in Glasgow four seasons ago, and after a successful loan move to the SPFL from Liverpool, he was made a permanent Rangers player for £7.5m, with a 20% sell-on clause also included in the deal (via Sky Sports).
The Latest: Ferguson’s belief
Speaking on the Go Radio Football Show, former Gers captain Ferguson reiterated his belief that Kent will remain at Ibrox next season – but admitted the club may have to offer the incentive of a buyout clause to persuade him to stay.
He said: “I still 100% believe he will sign a new contract.
“But I think there’ll be clauses in it, because they’ll say something like, if he signs a new three-year contract, maybe after next season or whatever, if you’re still producing the goods and somebody comes in and hits that clause in a transfer fee, then you can go.
“But it just looks to me, he’s got a good relationship with Michael Beale – that’s clear to see, and that’s showing out on the pitch.”
The Verdict: Seems likely
With Kent still an important player at Ibrox and Ferguson’s comments on the relationship between the Englishman and Beale growing, it’s unsurprising that there remains a belief he could remain a Rangers player after this season.
Kent’s registered 11 goal involvements so far in the league this term, with him starting every game under Beale so far as the Gers look to close the nine-point gap to Celtic – but what may be more important for Kent’s future will be entering the qualifying rounds of the Champions League.
With European football on offer again at Ibrox, we think Kent could remain happy to stay given the option by way of a potential release clause opening him up for a return to England to finally give the Premier League a go one day.
But in the meantime, competing on the continent for Rangers – having been beaten Europa League finalists and Champions League participants in the last 12 months alone – may be what Kent needs to bide his time and wait for the perfect offer rather than become a free agent in the summer.
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