The squad situation at Rangers is one that is near to the top of the list in terms of problems that need to be sorted, too many veterans, too many high earners not contributing and regular starters approaching the last six-months of their respective contracts – it’s a mess that needs to be sorted.
One of the contracts that could see us missing out on millions is Ryan Kent’s, the winger has been far from his best this season in front of goal but the numbers suggest that he is still one of our most potent attacking threats. Regardless of whether you think we should retain him, if he leaves for free, it is a costly mistake.
Kent, valued over £30million at one point by Ally McCoist with at least one eight-figure bid rejected during his time in charge, would probably fetch around what we paid for him now if we were being honest, that some would accept even less tells its own story about his form.
Contract talks had looked to be positive in the summer but, as yet, there has been nothing announced with Football Insider claiming that the World Cup break will be getting used to attempt to tie him down to a new deal:
“Rangers are making a fresh attempt to secure Ryan Kent to a new contract, sources have told Football Insider.
“The Glasgow giants facing losing the left-sided forward, 26, for nothing next year if he does not sign an extension.
“Now, Rangers are planning to use the World Cup break to open new talks and try to secure the future of one of their prize assets. Fulham are monitoring Kent’s situation as they weigh up a potential move.”
Kent is at a crossroads in his career. He will know that his next contract, probably, takes him through what should be his peak years and up to his 30th birthday having just turned 26. Does he want to prove the doubters wrong at Rangers or does he want to move back south and attempt to establish himself in the Premier League?
Sometimes, players will move on without us receiving a fee, it’s just the nature of modern football. We benefit from the Bosman system and we will lose out from it too, however, it won’t make it any easier for fans or the club seeing a player who could have brought in £20m leaving for nothing.