Free agent Ryan Kent has reportedly made a decision on his future amid speculation over a return to Rangers – with key details over his Fenerbahce exit emerging.
The winger saw his big-money contract in Istanbul ripped up just 16 months after leaving the Scottish Premiership behind having barely featured for the Turkish giants since his Ibrox exit. Boss Philippe Clement has confessed to being an admirer of the Englishman having attempted to snap him up while in charge of Club Brugge, and the Ibrox boss has now been presented with another chance to snap up Kent.
However, reports suggest that the 27-year-old is keen to continue his career away from the UK as he looks for his next club – which looks to have ruled out a move back to Govan. The Daily Mail report that the Liverpool academy graduate “could choose to stay abroad” with interest emerging from the Saudi Pro League – while Leeds United, Ipswich Town and Ajax are all said to have been keen on a deal in the summer.
Reports in the Middle East earlier this year claimed that Kent knocked back interest from Steven Gerrard and former Ibrox director of football Mark Allen at Al-Ettifaq amid the prospect of a January exit. Gerrard may attempt to ignite a Rangers reunion in Saudi once again.
Having played just one game since Jose Mourinho arrived at the club in the summer, Fener would agree to rip up Kent’s deal – that had been set to run until 2027. But it is claimed that Kent was ready to take his situation to the Court of Arbitration for Sport had they not rubber stamped his departure.
It is claimed that former boss Ismail Kartal forced Kent to train by himself after freezing him out of his plans – even taking gym sessions separately from the rest of the first-team squad. Following the arrival of former Manchester United and Chelsea boss Mourinho he made just one appearance – in the Champions League qualifier against Lugano back in July.
With frustrations growing, Kent was prepared to take his case to CAS. However, Fenerbahce agreed to bring matters to a close and grant the forward his release.
Tune in to Hotline Live every Sunday to Thursday and have your say on the biggest issues in Scottish football.