Five potential landing spots for Rangers hero Ryan Kent as he’s released from Fenerbahce

RYAN KENT is on the move again.

His Turkish delight turned into a disaster and just 18 months after joining Fenebahce on a four-year contract, the former Rangers winger has been released.

During his time at Ibrox Kent scored 33 goals in 218 appearances and was a key player in the 2020-21 title-winning campaign and the club’s run to the Europa League final the following year.

He signed for the club in a £7m deal in 2019 after impressing on loan from Liverpool and it was widely thought he would end up going for a big-money profit down the line.

But his performances dipped towards the end of his tenure and he eventually left as a free agent last summer.

After sealing a move to the Istanbul giants, Kent made an instant impact by scoring just 13 MINUTES into his debut.

But things never really kicked on from there and he made just eight league appearances for the club, often having to settle for minutes in the Europa Conference League.

Jose Mourinho has been keen to move the 27-year-old on for some time and now that wish has been granted.

Here, SunSport looks at his possible next destinations (although he cannot sign for anyone until January).

Al-Ettifaq

A reunion with the man who lured him to Glasgow, ex-Gers boss Steven Gerrard?

It’s been mentioned as a possibility for the likes of Connor Goldson and James Tavernier so why not Kent, who is both younger and has more personal history with the Liverpool hero, having risen through the Anfield youth ranks himself?

The Saudis would be able to offer him a comparable – if not healthier – salary than what he was on at Fenerbahce too.

He would link up with some familiar names such as Demarai Gray and Georginio Wijnaldum and perhaps most notably, former Celtic adversary Moussa Dembele.

Leeds United

Kent has been consistently linked with Leeds United ever since he joined Rangers.

As the saying goes, there’s no smoke without fire.

At least one person in the Leeds scouting room is a big fan of the winger.

Back in 2020 it was reported that the Elland Road club were ready to fork out £14m for the player but no move materialised.

With Leeds aiming for a return to the Premier League this year, it’s the type of move that could suit both parties.

It is worth noting that Leeds do have plenty options in the wide areas, with Daniel James, Willy Gnonto and Manor Solomon.

Burnley

Similar to Leeds, Burnley have been mentioned in connection with Kent over the years.

And they too have aspirations to return to the English top flight.

It was at the end of last season as Kent was all set to leave Scotland that the Clarets were ranked as his most likely Premier League destination.

Now that they’ve dropped down to the Championship shouldn’t be an issue.

Lazio

Kent came close to joining the Serie A giants on transfer deadline day back in January but the move dramatically collapsed at the 11th hour.

Now that he’s free, could Lazio come back in for the former target?

The difference this time round is that they have changed manager since the January interest.

But we have seen plenty of Scots move to Italy with success and Kent could sort of follow that route as a player who used to star in Scotland moving to Serie A.

Rangers

Okay, the big one.

Would – and could – Kent return to Rangers?

At the moment there is no suggestion of interest from Ibrox, with Vaclav Cerny, Oscar Cortes and Nedim Bajrami the new main wingers at the club and Ianis Hagi has also recently been welcomed back into the fold.

And it’s also unclear how he’d fit into Philippe Clement‘s system.

One thing that is clear is that Rangers fans are heavily divided on his potential comeback.

One said of Kent: “Downed tools for his last season. Felt so let down.”

Another replied: “No thanks. He played a pivotal role at one point but unfortunately he regressed and didn’t justify his wage.”

And a third said emphatically: “Ryan Kent? Not sure why this is even being considered. Was a great player in the first couple of seasons then he went downhill dramatically. A big no from me. Leave the past in the past.”

But others would have him back.

This supporter said: “The only question you need to ask is, ‘is he better than what’s there at present?’ and the answer is yes, short term contract til end of season, no brainer.”

“If the contract is right for us I think we give the kid a chance to resurrect his career,” said another.

And a third fan commented: “We have taken about five steps backwards since he left so it’s a no-brainier. I wish we were in a better place but facts are we aren’t. Anyone who says they wouldn’t want him lining up for us in the next Old Firm is lying.”

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