Rangers have confirmed the departure of former Manchester City youth Kane Ritchie-Hosler, who has joined Scottish Championship-bound side Dunfermline Athletic.
The Ibrox side’s B Team account confirmed the move on Twitter, with the club raking in an “undisclosed fee” for the 20-year-old central midfielder turned right wing-back.
The move to East End Park comes after Ritchie-Hosler spent this season on loan with the Pars, where the Rangers talent helped fire Dunfermline back to the Scottish second flight.
Playing 30 times for them this season, Kane Ritchie-Hosler scored four goals for the club and laid on five assists as they romped to the League One title.
Despite traditionally being a midfielder, Ritchie-Hosler has adapted well to a right wing-back role under Dunfermline boss James McPake.
Kane Ritchie-Hosler “buzzing” with Dunfermline switch
Speaking to the official Dunfermline website after confirming the move, Kane expressed his delight at signing a three-year deal in the Kingdom of Fife.
“I’m buzzing, it wasn’t really a hard choice. I’m delighted to be back and with the boys, it is what I wanted and with the reception I got from the fans it will be good to be back,” said Ritchie-Hosler. “It should be great.
“The fans have been massive. I get a lot of messages and comments telling me to sign. I will be on the plane when this gets out so I will not see all the messages until I turn my phone on.
“I didn’t want to go back to not playing or being in a [Rangers] B team. That wasn’t what I wanted.
“At my age I wanted to be playing first team football and challenging myself, that is what I needed. I think I have improved a lot especially under the gaffer and the staff and Dave of course.
“I’m grateful to the club for giving me the opportunity, I’m just happy with how it has gone and looking forward to next season.”
Rangers signed Ritchie-Hosler as a 16-year-old from Manchester City back in 2019 and, over the last four years, the kid has been a regular feature in the Ibrox B and youth teams.
Now finding a home at Dunfermline, the three-year contract shows the club’s commitment to the player and let’s hope we see Kane back at Ibrox in a footballing capacity with the Pars very soon.
