Rangers: Sky Sports reveal where Leon King will be playing after transfer deadline passes
Leon King will remain at Rangers this summer after listening to loan opportunities across Europe, according to Sky Sports.
The broadcaster reported on their live transfer blog (1 September, 12:51 pm) that the 19-year-old earned interest from “a number” of clubs in England and Europe.
The young defender is now set to remain at Ibrox following frequent appearances in preseason and 23 games for the Gers last season.
Here to stay
After playing the most Champions League minutes of any teenager last season (372), King has earned himself a reputation as an exciting prospect at Ibrox.
The Rangers academy graduate is yet to make an appearance this season after suffering an ankle injury that would keep him out for a “significant period of time”, according to the Daily Record (11 July).
Despite this, the youngster has had many suitors across Europe. Former Eurosport journalist claimed (31 August) that Championship side QPR were one of many interested clubs, while Chris Jack claimed in The Herald (28 August) that the Gers were “poised to sanction” a move amid interest from English Championship and League One sides.
While the Gers were initially worried about continuing King’s development, he is now set to remain in Glasgow and fight for a place in Michael Beale’s side.
While it is not clear why a loan move did not happen, King will hope to earn plenty of minutes once he returns from injury. While he was prevalent in Rangers’ Champions League campaign last season, their spot in the Europa League may offer him a better chance at European success, after the club’s pointless exit in the group stage.
However, Rangers will feel foolish if they did not sanction a loan move and King fails to get the required game time. At 19, he needs to be playing regularly if he wants to fulfil his potential and make it at the top level, so bench warming in Glasgow would suit no one.
Time will tell for King, but he will be keeping an eye on future lineups once he has fully recovered from injury and returned to full fitness.
In other Rangers news, a journalist has provided an update on the Gers’ attempts to secure Harry Souttar from Leicester City.