Leyton Orient have reportedly made an unexpected enquiry for former Fenerbahce winger Ryan Kent. Kent, who was released from Fenerbahce earlier this month, is now a free agent.
The 27-year-old winger, renowned for his time with Scottish Premiership side Rangers, made the move to Turkey in 2023 after his contract at Ibrox expired. However, his time at Fenerbahce was short-lived; he fell out of favour, making only eight league appearances before parting ways with the club.
Kent, once a rising talent from Liverpool’s academy, was initially linked with a return to Rangers or a move to Hull City, while a potential transfer to Serie A club Lazio reportedly broke down last minute. Leeds United have also shown interest in the winger, while Saudi club Al Ettifaq, managed by Steven Gerrard, could enter the race for his signature.
Now, Leyton Orient has thrown their hat into the ring, hoping to strengthen their squad with Kent’s attacking prowess. However, should the transfer materialise, Kent wouldn’t be eligible to play for the O’s until January.
Leyton Orient’s Struggles and Need for Reinforcement
Currently, Leyton Orient finds themselves just above the relegation zone in League One, having won only three games this season. Richie Wellens’ side managed to end a five-game winless streak with a victory over Rotherham United midweek but failed to capitalise on that momentum against Wycombe Wanderers, losing 3-0. With the O’s aiming to improve their offensive threat, signing a player of Kent’s calibre could potentially be a game-changer for the team.
According to The Scottish Sun, Leyton Orient’s move for Kent signals their ambition to bolster their squad amid challenging performances. Nevertheless, there remains speculation surrounding his next move, especially given the reported interest from higher-level clubs.
Who Is Ryan Kent?
Ryan Kent, born in Oldham, England, began his footballing journey at Liverpool’s academy, where he developed into a promising winger with speed and creativity. Although he never established himself in Liverpool’s first team, he enjoyed a series of loan spells, including successful stints with Coventry City, Barnsley, and Bristol City.
Kent’s big break came in 2018 when he moved to Rangers, initially on loan. His impressive performances in the Scottish Premiership convinced Rangers to make the move permanent in 2019. Across nearly 200 appearances, Kent became a fan favourite, playing a pivotal role in Rangers’ 2020-21 title-winning season. His impact at Rangers earned him respect and attention from top European clubs, leading to his move to Fenerbahce in 2023. However, his time in Turkey was marred by limited appearances, and his journey continues as he searches for a club that aligns with his ambitions.
Our View
This potential transfer is certainly unexpected. Leyton Orient’s interest in a player like Ryan Kent, who nearly joined Serie A’s Lazio recently, feels ambitious. While Orient could benefit greatly from Kent’s skill set, the chances of securing his signature are slim, considering the player’s stature and probable interest from more competitive leagues. This rumour may likely fizzle out as quickly as it emerged, but credit to Orient for taking a bold shot.
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