Credit: Imago

Daniel Lewis

Mon 18 May 2026 17:30, UK

Rangers centre-back Leon King has confirmed his spell at Ibrox has officially come to an end.

The 22-year-old has spent 17 years at his boyhood club but made a total of just 41 first-team appearances.

King has spent the 2025-26 season on loan with Ayr United and won a number of individual awards as he impressed at the back.

With his contract at Rangers up this summer, it has now been announced by the player himself he will not be staying on.

And a number of current and former Rangers stars have been quick to react to King’s exit announcement on Monday.

Leon King follows Kieran Wright out of Rangers exit door

Kieran Wright had earlier announced an end to his Rangers career after 17 years with the Glasgow giants.

A few hours later, King did likewise with an emotional post via his personal Instagram account, which included a photo of him in Rangers gear as a youngster.

“After 17 amazing years, the childhood dream of that five-year-old me comes to a halt,” he wrote. “Will be forever grateful for every opportunity I got to pull on that famous jersey and badge. To even play one game for this club I’d have lived out a dream I never thought would be possible.

“To finish this part of my Rangers career with 50 games, a league title, Scottish Cup and League Cup trophy , and to reach a European final, as well as some unbelievable experiences and nights at Ibrox and on the continent, I’ll be forever grateful.

“I’ve met some amazing people along the way who have shaped me to be who I am today. Every one of my academy staff and coaches who are amazing – you helped me from a five-year-old boy into the man I am today. Also to the staff no one gets to see, thank you for everything.

“A special mention to the guys in the building who drive to make the club what it was and what it should be every single day – David Lavery, Steve Walker and Jimmy Bell to name a few. Thank you.

“Thank you to Steven [Gerrard] for giving me that first chance at 16 to play for my boyhood club and to Giovanni [Van Bronckhorst[ for the trust and giving me the experience of playing Champions League football, memories that will last a lifetime.

“My team-mates, thank you all for some unbelievable memories over the years. These won’t ever be forgotten. Finally, you the fans. Thank you all for the support over my time at the club. For now I’ll go back to being one of you and be part of the club from a far. Until next time, thank you Rangers.”

That classy exit message was liked by countless former and current Ibrox figures, while Mikey Moore commented with two love hearts.

Todd Cantwell, a divisive figure during his time as a Rangers player, simply replied: “Kingyyyyy.”

Connor Barron, a more recent teammate, added: “Best of luck mate.”

Where next for King after Rangers exit?

King was superb for Ayr in the Scottish Championship this season and landed four individual awards, including Players’ Player of the Year and Player of the Year.

However, it was apparent a while ago that the defender would not be part of Danny Rohl‘s plans going forward.

That is not to say there will not be plenty of interest elsewhere in a player still aged just 22, however.

Indeed, it was reported recently that Hearts are one of the teams keeping tabs on King’s situation at Rangers.

West Brom and Wolves are also said to hold an interest south of the border, as do Middlesbrough, Portsmouth and Burnley.

That suggests an English Championship club is about King’s level, and the lifelong Rangers fan can make a decision over his future now his Gers exit has been confirmed.

As sad as it is to see King depart, he will now get a chance to continue playing regularly at a seemingly high level.

And who knows, it may well be that he ends up back at Ibrox one day.

Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of Govan.