After months of waiting, Bears have finally got their wish. Ryan Kent is a Rangers player.
Not just on loan, either. On a permanent deal.
🆕 #RangersFC are delighted to confirm the return of @ryankent to the club on a permanent basis from @LFC.
The winger has signed a four-year-deal with the Gers after spending the 2018/19 season on loan at Ibrox.
➡️ https://t.co/cPC7GKCdPS pic.twitter.com/h2yOoUrF4c
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) September 2, 2019
The 22-year-old winger has signed a four-year contract, returning to Ibrox on the final day of the transfer window. Sky Sports are reporting the fee as £7.5m, making it the second most expensive signing in the club’s history.
It signals the end of a protracted battle between the Gers and Kent’s now-former club, Liverpool.
Shortly after they returned from their pre-season tour of the United States, it became clear that Kent was not part of Jurgen Klopp’s first-team plans. Yet, the Reds were adamant that they wouldn’t let their asset head out of the club on loan again and instead, pushed for a sale.
Kent in action for Liverpool against Sevilla in July. (Photo by Tim Bradbury/Getty Images)
It was suggested for some time that Rangers would, therefore, be priced out of bringing him back to Ibrox [Sky Sports].
However, possibly prompted by Sunday’s lacklustre Old Firm display, the club’s board have decided to push the boat out.
Many Bears had long since given up hope of the wide player returning, and even Steven Gerrard claimed on Sunday evening that he’d be surprised if there were any further arrivals before the deadline [RangersTV].
Yet, in a development that will please him greatly, following the international break, he will once again have Kent at his disposal.
Gerrard is a big admirer of Kent’s. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
The talented Englishman will not be able to bring home title number 55 on his own. He was brilliant at times last season, but inconsistency is still very much a feature of his game. Just six goals in 43 appearances across 2018/19 tell you that [Soccerbase].
When he’s on, he’s really on, though. He brings an undoubted X-factor to this Rangers squad and Bears are delighted to have him back.
Rangers fans go wild for return of Kent
The Gers social media team built up the tension for hours on Monday evening. Thousands of impatient fans commented on posts confirming the departures of Joe Dodoo and Jason Holt demanding news on Kent.
Then, bang on midnight, Twitter exploded when the announcement many have been calling for, for months, finally arrived. The announcement video alone racked up over 1000 comments within the first few minutes.
Here’s a selection of jubilant responses from Twitter:
The king returns pic.twitter.com/evlzrpe1Fz
— Mr M (@MBS1872) September 2, 2019
thank you Rangers, goodnight🇬🇧
— Aimee worsley (@aimeeworsley1) September 2, 2019
Gonna cry now. We've waited so long 😭
— Rangers Radio 🇳🇱 (@RangersRadioRFC) September 2, 2019
Yaaaaaaaas
— Aidan (@AideMcFarland72) September 2, 2019
https://twitter.com/MasonSmillie16/status/1168661155973390336
https://twitter.com/jcfield199/status/1168660381595815936
https://twitter.com/ClareL1872/status/1168660440701968384
NFHDUSIWIIWJFNDHWUAUEHWBQBSKFOODJWYSHFBFNKSOKSKCNCJUDYSGWVRHTJEIIAJENF
— Luke milne 🇳🇱 (@Lukemilnee) September 2, 2019
Could not be happier right now
— Flying Staunchman (@224156ks) September 2, 2019
— Mark McG (@markmcgui99an) September 2, 2019
Welcome home you phenomenal human 💙
— Four Lads Had a Dream (@4ladshadadream) September 2, 2019
https://twitter.com/kayleigh1872/status/1168660379549011968
https://twitter.com/nickyt3232/status/1168660729215557632