Ryan Kent’s departure from Rangers simply has to occur at the end of the season and not a moment before.
The on-loan Liverpool starlet has been a success at Ibrox this season, but reports today suggested that he could be on his way back down south before the season is out.
There’s been no confirmation from either club that that is indeed the case. Liverpool still appear happy to allow Kent to stay in Glasgow for the season. The player meanwhile hasn’t made any noises about leaving either.
It perhaps hasn’t helped that speculation regarding a potential deal for Jordan Jones could be on the cards. To be frank, however, Kent simply cannot be allowed to leave Ibrox in January to go anywhere.
You would be forgiven for thinking this has been a disastrous spell for the youngster in Glasgow. Yet, the cold hard facts show that he’s made 23 appearances at Ibrox. He’s also bagged three goals too. Considering this is his first season in Scotland with so much pressure on him, he could be forgiven for not scoring as many as some may have hoped.
So much for buying him then
It wasn’t long ago, however, that people were talking about his value. This was due to the fact many supporters were interested in whether they could sign him permanently in the summer.
When it comes to the loan stars, however, Kent has been the best performer. Meanwhile, the likes of Ovie Ejaria, Joe Worrall, and Umar Sadiq struggle to impress the supporters.
Rangers have to do all in their power to make sure their most successful loan star – Kent – stays here until the end of the season at least. He’s one of the few genuine goal threats Rangers have in the final third, and can make something happen very quickly.
His quick feet and desire to take men on has been a joy to watch throughout the season so far. Only an injury knock over the last six weeks or so have halted his development here.
His return performance against Dundee wasn’t anything to shout about, but it could certainly be forgiven.
Kent will miss tomorrow’s match against Rapid Vienna. The truth is, however, that Rangers shouldn’t want him missing many more games than that.
Instead, the club should focus on finding a way back to their parent clubs for the likes of Sadiq and Worrall before even thinking of allowing Kent to depart.
