Kent makes £5m Fenerbahce demand after Gers winger transfer hunt
09/06/2024 02:30 PM
Rangers know a thing or two about trying to get unwanted players off the wage bill, an issue that has given Philippe Clement a headache all summer.
The manager still has Ianis Hagi in his squad despite clarifying the Romania international's situation and almost daily abuse from his dad, agent and relatives.
It's not easy to sell a player who isn't getting game time, and it is even harder if it is one who is digging their heels in as many feared Sam Lammers was at the start of the transfer window.
Ryan Kent digs heels in at Fenerbahce
For former Rangers winger Ryan Kent though, he is taking things to a whole new level.
According to Turkish media outlet Hurriyet, the 27-year old is refusing to budge.
Reported offers from England and a much-publicised about turn when he got a chance to move to Serie A and to join Lazio have all been knocked back as he sits on his heels in Istanbul.
Now, with no chance of playing any football for Fener under Jose Mourinho despite being given a chance in pre-season, Kent has given his conditions to leave:
"Kent, who turned down Lazio last season and could not make the expected breakthrough despite Jose Mourinho’s constant chances in the preparation matches this season, was informed that he was not considered in the squad planning and was asked to find a team.
"It was learned that Kent, 27, who has 1 goal and 2 assists in 19 matches he played for Fenerbahçe and earns 2 million Euros per year, wants to receive all of his receivables and leave the club for free."
In short, Kent is looking for around £5m to leave Fenerbahce for good, rather than signing for a new club.
With three years still to run on his contract, it is a long time to work on his sun tan.
Rangers could do with more depth in the winger department and, if an agreement could be reached, Kent would probably be welcomed back.
Philippe Clement also tried to sign Kent before Steven Gerrard secured a permanent £7m signing at the last minute.
Rangers winger attempts could yet end with Kent reunion
Rangers have tried to sign wingers this summer but only managed to bring Vaclav Cerny on loan and extend Oscar Cortes' loan to buy transfer from Lens.
After missing out on several strong options, Rangers made a deadline day bid for Samuel Edozie, only to pull the plug late in the day, according to Southampton manager Russell Martin:
"What frustrated me was how late it fell through, and it wasn't on our end.
"It's a bit unfair to Sam really. It's a bit disappointing but it is what it is. Every club has their prerogative and their priorities in the transfer window. I was gutted for Sam because it was too late to then find another opportunity to go and play football."
"He'll get to work like everyone else now. Get his head down, work really hard and try and get himself into the squad and into the team.
"He wasn't in it (against Brentford on Saturday) because of the speculation. But also because Sam Amo deserves to be in the squad more than he does right now.
"That's my opinion and that won't be everyone's opinion. It definitely won't be Sam Edozie's. But unfortunately, I'm the guy who takes that hope or the opportunity of him playing away.
"It's the hardest bit of the job. So we'll have a chat. We had a couple of messages already and we'll have a chat. He'll be fine. He needs to find a way to get himself back into the group and really impact things."
It will be a priority position when the January transfer window opens, if Kent can give Fenerbahce some wiggle room on his demands, you never know.
