OPINION
While not every one of Steven Gerrard’s 15 signings over the summer transfer window have left their mark at Rangers, there is one man who has lived up to expectations and even potentially exceeded the hopes of the fans.
Step forward on loan Liverpool winger Ryan Kent, who has been one of the standout performers in his 24 appearances this season.
His three goals and three assists might not be the best record in the division but his creative play has been crucial in creating opportunities for the likes of Alfredo Morelos, and you can be certain that the Ibrox faithful would love to see the 22-year-old remain at the club past the summer.
However, regardless of whether Liverpool want to sanction his permanent exit, manager Gerrard might well have just buried any hopes of Kent returning to Glasgow next season by giving the green light to sign Jordan Jones on a pre-contract agreement, the 24-year-old confirmed to be joining Rangers ahead of the next campaign.
?? #RangersFC are today delighted to confirm that the Club has signed pre-contract agreements with Glen Kamara and Jordan Jones: https://t.co/Af62eOBPNP pic.twitter.com/Q62eM7tGl6
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) January 5, 2019
A three cap Northern Ireland international, the 24-year-old plays in the same left wing position that Kent has filled this season and with Jamie Murphy also set to be competing in the squad after his season-long absence through injury, Gerrard seems well equipped on that particular flank.
While Jones is a free signing, Kent would have cost the Gers a fair bit of money if they were to try and turn his loan permanent and so it could be that the Ibrox outfit have gone for value for money ahead of the 2019/20 season.
Either way, Gerrard’s decision to seal a deal for Jones means Kent is surely not coming back to Ibrox any time soon – a blow to the fans who have grown to love him.