Ryan Kent provided a positive signal on a new deal after he turned in another solid performance last night at Kilmarnock to continue his recent resurgence under Michael Beale.
In his effective free role that he has enjoyed of late, the former Liverpool youth player is relishing the opportunity to express himself across the front line causing havoc for opposition defences. Linking and driving forward through the middle or drifting out wide, Kent is available for the ball, hungry and making an impact.
The 25-year old attacker secured the important second goal of the victory over Killie and in doing so, maintained crucial momentum from a personal and collective perspective for Rangers. Whilst the upturn in form on the pitch is very welcome, there is no getting away from the contract situation at Ibrox with Kent available to depart on a Bosman at the end of the season, as things stand.
After the game at Rugby Park, he gave the following reaction:
“No decisions on my future have been made as of yet. I’m concentrating on the remainder of the season. I am sitting down with the manager and discussing my future. It’s not distracting (for me, but) maybe for people discussing it on the outside, it may seem that way but I’m just concentrating on my game and I have full trust in the manager to keep backing me to play and we will go from there.”
“The manager has been key in my career since I was a young lad. I have full trust in him and that’s reciprocated. He’s a quality manager and coach.”
🗣️ "The manager has been key in my career… the trust is reciprocated"
Rangers goal scorer Ryan Kent responds to speculation surrounding his future 💬 pic.twitter.com/LAQRfzi04L
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) January 18, 2023
Kent is clearly upbeat and enjoying his football once again under a mentor figure in Michael Beale, creative a positive environment that could yet see the Englishman prolong his stay at Ibrox. That said, he is within his rights to hold to see what offers are made to him from England or abroad. There is a huge appeal and hold that Rangers will have on the player but the often suffocating nature of Scottish football could have a bearing as well.
On the current evidence, Ryan Kent will have admirers noting his name for a potential Summer deal meaning that Beale will have his work cut out to get his man tied down. This one is difficult to call but there will hopefully be a positive outcome for the club, whatever the final outcome.