Ryan Kent’s current situation has sparked significant interest across Europe as he remains a free agent following his departure from Fenerbahce nearly three months ago. The 28-year-old winger, who was once a standout figure at Rangers, is now searching for a new club after leaving the Turkish side, where his stay was relatively brief. Despite the uncertainty around his next destination, Kent’s name continues to crop up in the transfer discussions of various clubs, both in England and abroad.
One of the most intriguing possibilities is a potential return to Rangers, where Kent enjoyed a successful spell from 2018 to 2022. His time at Ibrox saw him become a key player under Steven Gerrard, contributing to both domestic success and Rangers’ memorable run in the Europa League. With Rangers currently facing a challenging season and battling fitness concerns in their attacking ranks, Kent’s return could offer a much-needed boost. Rabbi Matondo and Oscar Cortes are both struggling with injuries, leaving Rangers somewhat short on the flanks, particularly on the left side. This has led to speculation that Kent could be a natural fit for Philippe Clement’s squad, offering the team both experience and familiarity with the tactical system in place.
In addition to the potential for a Rangers return, Kent’s name has also been floated for a move back to England, where he had previously been linked with a number of clubs, including Leeds United and Burnley. The English Championship, in particular, seems a likely destination for the free agent. Kent’s ability to excel in high-pressure environments and his experience in the top leagues could make him a valuable asset to any Championship side seeking promotion to the Premier League. His availability on a free transfer makes him an especially attractive option for clubs with limited budgets but who still aim to strengthen their squads significantly.
One such club reportedly interested in Kent is Blackburn Rovers, where Kent could reunite with his former Rangers teammate Todd Cantwell. Blackburn, having already signed Cantwell in the summer after his controversial departure from Rangers, could soon be adding Kent to their ranks. The idea of teaming up with Cantwell once again could be appealing to Kent, and the chemistry they developed at Ibrox could potentially help the duo hit the ground running at Ewood Park. Cantwell has already impressed at Blackburn with his creativity and vision in midfield, and the addition of Kent would provide the Rovers with a potent attacking duo, giving them further depth and options in their pursuit of promotion from the Championship.
However, Blackburn’s interest in Kent faces competition from Crystal Palace’s Jeffrey Schlupp, who is also being considered for the left-wing position. Schlupp’s versatility, including his ability to play as a left-back, makes him a particularly attractive option for Blackburn, providing them with additional tactical flexibility. Journalist Alan Nixon reported that Blackburn are keeping tabs on both Kent and Schlupp, with Schlupp being seen as the more versatile option due to his defensive capabilities. Still, Blackburn’s scouting team appears to be carefully evaluating Kent’s potential, and he remains very much in the mix for a move to the Championship side.
Given the uncertainty around Kent’s future, one of the most interesting questions is whether Rangers will swoop in for him. His potential return could make sense for several reasons. Firstly, Rangers have been struggling with injuries and inconsistencies in their attacking unit, with players like Matondo and Cortes unavailable. Kent, being a former star for the club, would offer instant familiarity and could slot into the left-wing role, providing much-needed support to the attacking setup. Furthermore, bringing Kent back would give manager Philippe Clement the opportunity to rest Vaclav Cerny without overburdening the team’s attacking options. This could help maintain the balance of the squad, especially in the grueling fixture schedule that lies ahead.
On the other hand, a return to Rangers could also offer Kent the chance to rebuild his career in a familiar environment. After his difficult spell at Fenerbahce, a return to the club where he thrived could provide him with the stability and confidence he needs to recapture his best form. With his experience in Scottish football and his history with the club, Kent could easily reintegrate into the squad and immediately make an impact.
Ultimately, Ryan Kent’s next move remains uncertain, but his availability as a free agent is creating opportunities for several clubs, including Rangers and Blackburn, who are both in need of a quality winger to bolster their ranks. While Blackburn may have the edge in terms of their pursuit of Kent, the possibility of a Rangers return cannot be ruled out, especially with the club’s current needs and Kent’s familiarity with the Ibrox setup. As the January transfer window unfolds, Kent’s next move could become one of the most intriguing stories in Scottish and English football.