Soccer Football - Pre Season Friendly - Rangers v West Ham United - Ibrox Stadium, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain - July 19, 2022 Rangers' Ryan Kent in action REUTERS/Russell Cheyne
Former BBC pundit Noel Whelan has claimed that Glasgow Rangers supporters ‘will be absolutely over the moon’ with some ‘huge’ news involving Ryan Kent.
The Lowdown: Contract talks
As per Football Scotland, Kent is now in talks to sign a new contract at Ibrox.
His current deal expires at the end of the season, and he has been linked with a move to both Leeds United and Aston Villa, so it would certainly be a wise move from Ross Wilson and Co to get him signed up long into the future, even if they do eventually want to sell.
The Latest: Whelan reacts
Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan has claimed that it would be ‘huge’ if Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s team could tie Kent down, adding that the supporters ‘will be absolutely over the moon’ if he ends up signing:
“I think Rangers fans will be absolutely over the moon if Kent signs a new contract.
“He’s one player who is at the right age now. He’s coming into his prime years.
“He’s exciting, scores goals, assists, loads of pace – and he’s tenacious in that midfield area.
“He is exactly the sort of player who fills the stadium and gets fans off their seats. To tie him down would be huge, a huge reassurance.
“The money they’d have to pay would be money well spent – it gives Rangers that peace of mind.”
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The Verdict: Huge indeed
It would indeed be huge if Kent ends up signing a new deal with the Gers.
He managed two goals and eight assists in the Scottish Premiership last season, and finished as their second-best performer in the UEFA Europa League, grabbing one goal and three assists and ranking highly among his teammates in terms of average shots, key passes and dribbles per game (WhoScored).
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Nonetheless, the English winger is still just 25 years of age, and so is a big asset for the Teddy Bears with years left to grow into an even better player.
It will be difficult to fend off Premier League interest in the future, but supporters will be happy if the club can keep Kent on at least for this season while also increasing his price tag in the mean time.
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