Chris Sutton reacts to Rangers transfer admission on Ryan Kent replacement
Rangers have yet to find a replacement for departed forward Ryan Kent despite their influx of attacking talent this window, according to Chris Sutton.
The former Celtic forward, when appearing on BBC 5 Live’s Monday Night Club (21 August), claimed that while Kent’s goal contributions were not exceptional, he was “really talented”, with that void still remaining at Rangers.
The winger departed Rangers this summer for Turkish side Fenerbahçe after five seasons at Ibrox, where he netted 33 goals in 218 total appearances.
Sutton said: “I heard Michael Beale talking about wanting a Ryan Kent-type player. I’ve said this over the last few seasons, but although his numbers weren’t what they should have been, in terms of goals and assists, I thought he was a really talented player.
“They don’t have that type, so it’ll be interesting to see if Rangers go back into the transfer market. But they don’t look like they’ve really replaced Kent.”
More forwards?
While Kent’s profile of player would certainly help the Gers in their bid to look more convincing on the pitch, perhaps the club should work with what they have already before spending more.
Beale did speak earlier in the summer about wanting a Kent-like player while hinting about more transfer activity in these attacking areas.
As reported by the Daily Record (11 August), Beale said: “The one area we’re probably a little bit light is someone like a Ryan Kent. Whether we’ll get there between now and the end of the window, or do we find that within in our squad, time will tell”, showing this profile of player is on his radar.
Five attacking players, Cyriel Dessers, Sam Lammers, Abdallah Sima, Danilo and Kieran Dowell, have entered the club which has completely changed the face of Beale’s side.
While Rangers did lose their fair share of attackers this summer, including Kent, if more money is spent, then more pressure will be on Beale to succeed.
The players need more time to gel and perform well, but further recruitment should wait until they learn their Champions League fate following their fourth-round tie against PSV kicking off on Tuesday (22 August).
Sutton said it himself, Kent didn’t score a lot. These new recruits need to better Kent and get Rangers back to being a prolific side.
In other Rangers news, two new Championship sides have joined Leeds United in the race for an exit-bound Gers star.