Leeds United are eyeing a summer swoop for Rangers forward Ryan Kent, who reportedly has a £20 million release clause.
According to a report from Football Insider, Leeds United have entered the market to sign Ryan Kent in the upcoming summer transfer window. The Premier League outfit have a long-standing interest in the Rangers winger, and they are now expected to revisit their pursuit after the end of the season if they retain their top-flight status in the Premier League.
The report suggests Kent is facing an uncertain future at Ibrox, with his current deal expiring at the end of next season. He reportedly has a £20 million release clause embedded in his contract, allowing Leeds United to secure his services on a relatively cut-price deal. In fact, it could be no less than a bargain given the way the winger has performed for Rangers in recent years.
Since joining the Gers in 2018, Kent has featured in 163 competitive matches for the club, scoring 30 goals while mustering 43 assists. His blazing performances have lit up the Premiership, with his contributions last season being central to helping Rangers seal the league title under Steven Gerrard.
However, it appears Kent has taken his game to a whole new level under the leadership of new coach Giovanni van Bronckhorst. In just 22 matches, he has racked up eight goals and nine assists. His performances have not only been restricted to the Premiership as the attacker has also impressed in Europa League.
The forward has been involved in five goals in eight matches in the Europa League so far, notably starring in the knockout round matches against Borussia Dortmund and Crvena Zvezda.
Kent’s rapid rise to prominence has not gone unnoticed, with Leeds United keen on his services as they look to brace themselves for life without Raphinha. The tricky Brazilian is expected to move on from Elland Road in the summer amid interest from FC Barcelona.
Raphinha’s potential exit could open up a massive void in Leeds’s creative department. In an attempt to fill the hole, the Whites have been linked with a move for Georgian talent Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, but the Rubin Kazan forward is likely to join Dinamo Batumi, which is where Ryan Kent comes into the fray.
The former Liverpool prodigy has shown tremendous promise at Rangers and offers vast experience. He also has unfinished business in the Premier League, thus making him a shrewd option for Leeds United.
Kent for James , not raphinha