Rangers and Liverpool have missed out after a reported transfer target for both clubs, Liam Smith, left Kilmarnock to sign for Man City.
The Daily Mail claimed back in January that City were set to beat both the Gers and the Premier League leaders to the Scotland U17 international, and the deal was officially completed on Friday afternoon.
“While we had hoped to see Liam continue his development at Rugby Park and are disappointed to be losing him, we fully understand and appreciate the opportunities moving to Manchester City will provide Liam both on and off the pitch,” Killie’s Head of Football Operations, James Fowler, told Kilmarnockfc.co.uk.
“We wish him every success at Manchester City.”
The statement on the Ayrshire club’s website claimed that while the transfer fee would remain undisclosed, it was in line with the player’s ‘prodigious talent’ and ‘future potential.’
It may come as a disappointment that the teenage defender opted against joining the Gers in favour of a move to Manchester, but it seems this one had already been decided some time ago.
What’s more, Rangers already have their own highly-rated 16-year-old centre-back, in Leon King.
The well-built teen recently penned his first professional deal with the club despite reported interest from multiple Premier League clubs [Daily Record], and while he’s too green for the first team right now, many Bears are hoping in a few years time he’ll blossom into an Ibrox star.
