Leon King could exit Rangers as Michael Beale eyes £2.2m Jonathan Panzo deal
Rangers have been linked with a move for Nottingham Forest defender Jonathan Panzo in recent days – and this could come as a blow to Leon King.
The Daily Record reported on 11 June that the Light Blues are on the verge of a £2.2million agreement for the 22-year-old central defender, who spent the 2022/23 season on loan with Coventry City.
It’s believed Ross Wilson’s relationship with the Gers, has seen Rangers jump ahead of the Sky Blues and West Brom in the race for the young Englishman.
Michael Beale’s summer recruitment has really started to take shape in recent weeks, with Panzo potentially joining Jack Butland, Kieran Dowell and Dujon Sterling at Ibrox.
However, one player who should be concerned about the incoming arrival is King. The youngster featured heavily in the early part of the 2022/23 season under Giovanni van Bronckhorst but found gametime hard to come by after Beale’s arrival.
The Athletic claimed (31 January) the Light Blues had knocked back “attractive” loan proposals for the defender, however, after Panzo’s arrival, the Gers could well look to send the 19-year-old out on a temporary basis during the summer window.
He’s at a stage in his career where he has to be playing regular first-team football. Sitting on the bench at Ibrox won’t cut it.
Beale has to make a smart decision here. Finding a sensible EFL club could well be a smart move. King is one of Rangers’ biggest assets and it’s absolutely essential they manage his development in the proper way.
In other Rangers news, Chris Jack believes one Gers ace should have quit Ibrox after the 2021/22 Europa League final.