Manchester City and Aston Villa players react to Leon King contract news at Rangers
Rangers announced the extension of Leon King’s contract on Thursday (15 December) and players from around the world have been congratulating him.
The 18-year-old was due to see his contract end in 2024 but his new and improved deal will see it run until 2026 and potentially wave off further interest from Premier League clubs.
King posted on his Instagram page shortly after the announcement went live, saying: “Delighted to have signed a new long-term contract.”
Among the replies below his post, Manchester City youngster Dapo Medube was quick to say his piece to King, saying: “nice Leon, keep pushing bud.”
Aston Villa teenager Kerr Smith, who signed for the Villans in England from Dundee United, also congratulated King on his new deal at Ibrox, saying: “Good you.”
Future captain
King might only be 18 years of age but there will be people at Ibrox who are keen to see him stay for a very long time and become the club’s captain over time.
James Tavernier is not likely to give the armband up anytime soon but he is beyond 30 years of age so his time will eventually come and King is the ideal man to take the honours from him.
By the time the current skipper either leaves or retires, King will have hundreds of games under his belt, presuming he avoids serious injury, and having come through the club’s academy, he knows better than anyone what it means to lead Rangers.
The only problem with that could be if Premier League sides persist with their attempts to sign him despite his new deal but even that will lead to a very big transfer fee and potentially a record-breaking one for the club.
There is no downside to this news and Michael Beale will hope that this isn’t the last contract he signs at Auchenhowie in his career.
In other Rangers news, if the Gers want to sign this Premiership attacker, they will have to make an “outrageous” bid according to his manager.