Fenerbahce have released long-term Leeds United target Ryan Kent
Fenerbahce have released long-term Leeds United target Ryan Kent

Leeds United in almighty Ryan Kent scramble as transfer decision made

Jonathan Burnett

Jonny is a University of Leeds journalism graduate who became part of the FootballInsider team in Spring 2024, and recently worked as Head of Media for Widnes Vikings Rugby League club. Writing as a freelance reporter and commentator for The Sporting News and StatsPerform, he has covered matches in competitions including the FIFA Men's and Women's World Cups, as well as the Champions League, Women's Euro 2022, Six Nations and the Rugby Union World Cup.

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Leeds United are one of the clubs who could pursue a deal for Ryan Kent after he was released by Fenerbahce, according to The Scottish Sun.

The newspaper reported on its online edition on Thursday (17 October) that former Rangers winger Kent has agreed a mutual termination of his contract with Fenerbahce, just 16 months into a four-year deal signed in 2023.

Kent's availability as a free agent is now expected to see "an almighty scramble" for his signature, with the Whites namechecked as one of the 27-year-old's long-term suitors during his time at Rangers.

Could Ryan Kent transfer solve key question for Leeds United?

Free agents have been all the rage at Elland Road in recent weeks, with Daniel Farke not ruling out signing an out-of-contract player in the wake of long-term injuries to Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev.

However, the club's focus has been on filling the gaps left in defensive midfield by the duo's absences, and although Kent is a versatile player, he's far more accustomed to playing in the forward line.

Leeds United manager Daniel Farke
Daniel Farke could turn to Ryan Kent as Leeds United look for quick-fix reinforcements this season

Cheikhou Kouyate had been in training at Thorp Arch for several days prior to his possible transfer collapsing, and Farke is now looking towards former Arsenal midfielder Francis Coquelin instead [The Sun, 17 October].

No such issue existed in defensive midfield before Ampadu and Gruev's injuries, but one area in which the Whites have been deemed short in is the number 10 role – a position Kent has experience in.

Georginio Rutter's late-window sale to Brighton was never truly addressed in the form of a replacement, so could Kent, the longest of long-term transfer targets, finally pitch up to answer the call at Elland Road? Time will tell.

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