Following the claims that Ryan Kent’s contract talks at Rangers may have stalled, there could be some major repercussions as a consequence.
According to journalist Jonny McFarlane, the Englishman – whose contract is set to expire next summer – looks likely to leave the club soon.
No doubt, this would be a big loss for Rangers, and with that in mind, TIF has decided to take a look at what it could mean for the club and some of their key men…
Giovanni van Bronckhorst pressure
Having been beaten in back-to-back games in rather humiliating fashion – losing 4-0 to Celtic and then repeating the trick against Ajax in the Champions League – Rangers manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst is understandably not a popular man right now.
Indeed, there is a suggestion that his job could even be under pressure, with journalist Dean Jones recently urging everyone to take a step back and give the Dutchman a little more time before anything drastic happens.
If Van Bronckhorst is afforded a few more games to fix things, he’ll need his players committed to the cause – so it could be seen as a major issue if Kent has already decided he will be leaving in the near future.
Indeed, with 30 goals and 50 assists during his time with Rangers, the forward has been a star for the team at times. Therefore, his potential lack of commitment at a time of great need could prove pivotal in Van Bronckhorst’s hopes of staying in charge.
If the Teddy Bears can’t fix their form, their boss could be sacked soon.
Sakala second chance
If Kent does fall out of the team due to his contract issues, one man that could benefit is Fashion Sakala. Up to this point in the season, the winger has not endured a pleasant time.
Indeed, he has played just a handful of minutes in the SPFL and Champions League and is yet to score or provide an assist this term. On top of that, his display in Scottish League Cup was recently slammed after he had ‘an absolute shocker’.
However, Sakala can play on the left wing just like Kent, and so if the Englishman is dropped, the Zambia international can come in and take his spot in the side – thus affording him the chance to rediscover his form and salvage his career with Rangers without the club needing to dip into the transfer market.
TIF Thoughts on Ryan Kent and Rangers…
Kent has been a key part of this trophy-winning Rangers side in recent seasons, and if he does depart, it will be a big blow to the club – especially if they don’t get a transfer fee for him.
On top of that, he may well need to make sure performance levels drop or else Van Bronckhorst may soon be sacked amid the pressure on his head at the moment.
Of course, this could all open the door up for a Sakala redemption arc. Even if the manager does get fired, this could also be a boost for the Zambian, who hasn’t been afforded much of a chance in the team this season, and a new boss may give him more minutes.
Will Alfredo Morelos and Ryan Kent leave Rangers this summer?
Yes
No
