According to journalist Pete O’Rourke, Leeds United director of football Victor Orta is a “big fan” of Rangers winger Ryan Kent.
The Whites have been heavily linked with a move for the Gers forward over the past couple of years, particularly in the summer of 2020. Ultimately, the 25-year-old stayed at Ibrox, but speculation linking Kent with a move to Elland Road has started up again as we approach the end of the season and start of the summer transfer window.
Speaking to GiveMeSport, O’Rourke revealed how interested Orta is in the former Liverpool man amid claims Leeds are monitoring him. He said: “I think Marcelo Bielsa was a big fan of him, as is Victor Orta, so that one does seem to have some credence to it.”
What consequences could a potential Kent switch have? Read on to find out…
Harrison position change?
Jack Harrison has been one of Leeds’ star performers this campaign, scoring eight goals and providing two assists in all competitions from the left flank. However, it was on the opposite wing that he originally made his name at New York City FC, scoring 14 goals and providing 10 assists in 61 outings.
Kent, meanwhile, is a left-winger through and through, and is not particularly comfortable on his weak foot. Unless Jesse Marsch would look to use Kent as an inside forward, cutting in from the right flank and striking at goal, a position change could be on the cards for Harrison. The 25-year-old has also been deployed in attacking midfield and at centre-forward in the past, which further underlines his versatility.
More creator than goalscorer
Of course, Marsch may see Harrison as immovable in his position, and may therefore look to deploy Kent on the right. Raphinha currently occupies that position, but the Brazilian has been heavily linked with a move away from Yorkshire as Barcelona circle. Therefore, the role may end up being vacant ahead of next term.
Would you like to sign Ryan Kent?
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The former Rennes star has been an influential player for Leeds since making the move from France, scoring 15 goals and providing 12 assists. However, while he has at times provided for his teammates, he has heavily outscored his assists rate throughout his career. Kent, meanwhile, is more of a creator, having registered 16 assists this term compared to Raphinha’s three.
There is also a discrepancy between the duo’s respective passing ratios. While Raphinha has completed a disappointing 68.7% of his passes in the Premier League this term, 86.5% of Kent’s have found their intended destination in the Scottish Premiership. This could also boost strikers such as Tyler Roberts, who with just one goal this campaign, has missed out on regular, quality service.
TIF Verdict…
Kent’s time north of the border has been mixed. At times, the Oldham-born man can be electric, as he showed against Borussia Dortmund in the Europa League this season – his performance at the Signal Iduna Park drew strong praise from former Gers midfielder Jorg Albertz.
However, his displays on the European stage have at times come to the detriment of his domestic form, as Frank McAvennie recently pointed out. His goal contribution has also been criticised by the club’s supporters, and that could only come under extra scrutiny in the more competitive Premier League.
Valued at £12.6m (as per Transfermarkt), Kent is one of Rangers’ most-prized assets. He has just one year left on his current contract, which may damage the Bears’ negotiating position, but you would imagine they will not be willing to let him go on the cheap.
While he has plenty of talent, Kent is unproven in the English top flight, and there are certainly questions to be asked as to whether he could perform amongst the elite. It remains to be seen whether Orta and co make a concrete move for his services in the summer.