Ryan Kent (born 11 November 1996) is an English professional footballer who most recently played as a left winger for Süper Lig club Fenerbahçe.[5]

Ryan Kent
Kent playing for Rangers in 2021
Personal information
Full name Ryan Kent[1]
Date of birth (1996-11-11) 11 November 1996 (age 28)[2]
Place of birth Oldham, England
Height 5 ft 9 in (1.76 m)[3]
Position(s) Left winger[4]
Youth career
2004–2015 Liverpool
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2015–2019 Liverpool 0 (0)
2015–2016Coventry City (loan) 17 (1)
2016–2017Barnsley (loan) 44 (3)
2017–2018SC Freiburg (loan) 6 (0)
2018Bristol City (loan) 10 (0)
2018–2019Rangers (loan) 27 (6)
2019–2023 Rangers 113 (22)
2023–2024 Fenerbahçe 8 (0)
International career
2013–2014 England U18 2 (2)
2015 England U20 6 (1)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 19:24, 17 October 2024 (UTC)

A graduate of the Liverpool academy, Kent made his single first-team appearance for the club in January 2016, after a loan spell with Coventry City. He spent the 2016–17 season on loan at Barnsley and won the club's Young Player of the Season award. After a loan spell with German club Freiburg in 2017, he departed on loan once again, joining Bristol City. Kent signed for Scottish club Rangers permanently in September 2019, after winning the PFA Scotland Young Player of the Year award while playing for them on loan in the 2018–19 season.

He is a former England youth international, having represented the nation at under-18 and under-20 levels.

Club career

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Liverpool

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Early career

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Kent after a Liverpool U18 match in 2015

Oldham-born Kent joined Liverpool at the age of seven and progressed through the Liverpool academy to become a regular member of the U21 squad.[6] After an impressive end to the 2014–15 campaign for the reserves his performances were rewarded with a new four-and-a-half-year contract in March 2015.[4] This was followed by a call-up to the first-team squad for their 2015 pre-season tour with the player being named in Liverpool's 30-man squad for their tour of Thailand, Australia and Malaysia.[7] On 17 July 2015 Kent made his first-team debut when he came off the bench in the 2–1 win over Australian A-League side Brisbane Roar and was handed a first-team squad number for the Reds.[8][9]

Loans to Coventry City and Barnsley

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Liverpool received a number of offers to take Kent on loan after the player impressed in preseason.[10] Kent eventually joined Coventry City in September 2015, on a youth loan deal for four months until 16 January 2016.[11] He made his professional debut while at Coventry City, as a substitute on 12 September 2015 in a 1–0 League One loss to Scunthorpe United.[12] On 3 November, Kent played and scored in a 4–3 win over Barnsley.[13] The next day it was announced that he would return to Liverpool during the upcoming international break to be assessed by new Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp.[14] On 5 January 2016, he was recalled by Liverpool and was named in the first-team to make his competitive debut for them, starting the FA Cup third round match away to Exeter City. The match ended 2–2 with Kent being withdrawn from the action after 57 minutes.[15]

On 26 July 2016, Kent was loaned to Barnsley for the season.[16] He scored his first goal for them in a 4–0 win against Rotherham United on 27 August 2016.[17] Kent was named Barnsley's Young Player of the Season at the club's end of season awards.[18]

Loans to Freiburg and Bristol City

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On 10 August 2017, after an impressive preseason, Kent signed a new long-term contract with Liverpool,[19] and was loaned out to Freiburg for the season on the last day of the summer transfer window.[20] After making just six appearances, Kent's loan spell at Freiburg was terminated and he returned to parent club Liverpool on 8 January.[21]

On 12 January 2018, Kent joined Bristol City on loan until the end of the season.[22] His stint with the Robins was unsuccessful, as he played just 10 league games, failing to find the back of the net in any. It was later reported that Bristol City would be fined £300,000 by Liverpool due to Kent's lack of playing time.[23]

Rangers

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2018–19: Initial loan spell

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Kent playing for Rangers in 2018

On 22 July 2018, Kent joined Rangers on season-long loan for the 2018–19 season.[24] He made his debut on 26 July 2018 in the Europa League 1-0 victory against NK Osijek.[25] He made his SPFL debut on 5 August 2018, in a 1–1 draw against Aberdeen.[26] His first goal for the club came on 15 September 2018, in a 4-0 victory against Dundee.[27] On 31 March 2019, Kent scored in the Old Firm derby against Celtic in a 2–1 loss.[27] During the match Kent became involved in an altercation with Celtic captain Scott Brown, who was shoved to the ground.[28] Kent was charged by the Scottish FA retrospectively.[29] He received a two match ban after losing his appeal.[30] He made 43 appearances in all competitions, scoring six goals and making nine assists for the club.[31] On 7 April, Kent won the 'Young Player of The Year Award for the 2018–19 season for Rangers at the club's end of season awards.[32] On 5 May 2019, Kent won the 2018–19 PFA Scotland Young Player of the Year after his performance for Rangers.[33] He was also voted in the PFA Scotland Team of the Year for the 2018–19 season.[33]

Kent returned to Liverpool for the 2019–20 pre-season with manager Jürgen Klopp wanting to assess Kent's development, with Rangers manager Steven Gerrard advising he wanted Kent to re-sign for Rangers on loan.[34] Kent was also subject of interest from Leeds United, with Leeds head coach Marcelo Bielsa also personally scouting Kent for Liverpool's pre-season friendly against Bradford City.[35][36] Kent was involved in pre-season friendlies involving Bradford City,[37] Borussia Dortmund,[38] Sporting CP[39] and Sevilla.[40] Klopp singled out Kent for praise after his performance against Sevilla, saying: "Ryan had sensational moments in the Sevilla game – one-on-one situations are his big strength. He is a wonderful kid, a wonderful player."[41]

2019–2023: Permanent transfer

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Kent signed for Rangers permanently on 3 September 2019 on a four-year contract.[42] Rangers paid Liverpool an initial transfer fee of £6.5 million, with further payments potentially due for future performance or Kent being sold.[42][43]

Rangers confirmed on 23 May 2023 that Kent would leave the club at the end of the 2022–23 season.[44]

Fenerbahçe

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On 12 June 2023, Kent signed a four-year deal with Turkish club Fenerbahçe.[45] He scored his first goal for the club in a 5–0 UEFA Europa Conference League second qualifying round win against Zimbru Chișinău on 26 July 2023.[46] Later that year, on 13 August, he made his Süper Lig debut against Gaziantep FK at the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium, Fenerbahçe won 2–1.[47]

On 17 October 2024, Fenerbahçe announced Kent’s contract had been terminated by mutual agreement.[48]

International career

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Kent scored two goals in two appearances for the England under-18 team.[49][50] He made six appearances and scored one goal for the England under-20 team.[51]

Style of play

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Kent plays as a winger, comfortable on both flanks, but mainly playing as a left winger, he can also play as a second striker or an attacking midfielder.[52] He is known for his dribbling ability running with the ball, especially with 'one-on-one situations', as well as his workrate and crossing ability.[53][54]

Career statistics

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As of match played 23 July 2024
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Clubs Season League National cup[a] League cup[b] Continental Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Liverpool 2015–16[55] Premier League 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
Total 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
Coventry City (loan) 2015–16[55] League One 17 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 17 1
Barnsley (loan) 2016–17[56] Championship 44 3 2 0 1 0 47 3
SC Freiburg (loan) 2017–18[57] Bundesliga 6 0 0 0 6 0
Bristol City (loan) 2017–18[57] Championship 10 0 0 0 1 0 11 0
Rangers (loan) 2018–19[58] Scottish Premiership 27 6 4 0 3 0 9[c] 0 43 6
Rangers 2019–20[59] Scottish Premiership 21 7 2 0 2 0 8[c] 1 33 8
2020–21[60] Scottish Premiership 37 10 2 0 1 0 12[c] 3 52 13
2021–22[61] Scottish Premiership 26 2 3 0 1 0 16[d] 1 46 3
2022–23[62] Scottish Premiership 29 3 4 0 2 0 9[e] 0 44 3
Total 140 28 15 0 9 0 54 5 218 33
Fenerbahçe 2023–24 Süper Lig 8 0 0 0 10[f] 1 18 1
2024–25 Süper Lig 0 0 0 0 1[e] 0 1 0
Total 8 0 0 0 0 0 11 1 19 1
Career total 225 32 18 0 12 0 65 6 320 38
  1. ^ Includes FA Cup, Scottish Cup and Turkish Cup
  2. ^ Includes EFL Cup and Scottish League Cup
  3. ^ a b c Appearances in UEFA Europa League
  4. ^ Two appearances in UEFA Champions League, fourteen appearances and one goal in UEFA Europa League
  5. ^ a b Appearances in UEFA Champions League
  6. ^ Appearances in UEFA Europa Conference League

Honours

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Rangers

Individual

References

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  1. ^ "Premier League clubs publish retained lists". Premier League. 9 June 2017. Retrieved 24 July 2017.
  2. ^ "Ryan Kent: Overview". Premier League. Retrieved 2 September 2019.
  3. ^ "Ryan Kent" (in Turkish). Fenerbahçe S.K. Retrieved 21 August 2023.
  4. ^ a b McCartney, Aidan (8 September 2015). "Who is Ryan Kent? Seven things you need to know about Coventry City's new signing". Coventry Telegraph. Retrieved 9 January 2016.
  5. ^ "Ryan Kent's first words at Fenerbahce as post-Rangers transfer confirmed". 12 June 2023.
  6. ^ "Ryan Kent". Liverpool F.C. Archived from the original on 29 December 2015. Retrieved 9 January 2016.
  7. ^ "Reds' 30-man tour squad confirmed". Liverpool F.C. 10 July 2015. Retrieved 13 September 2015.
  8. ^ Thomson, Nick (22 July 2018). "Rangers Sign Ryan Kent". Rangers. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
  9. ^ Urquhart, Joe (10 June 2019). "Who is Ryan Kent after Liverpool winger emerges as Leeds United transfer target". Yorkshire Evening Post. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
  10. ^ Pearce, James (4 August 2015). "Liverpool FC consider loan offers from Championship clubs for Ryan Kent". Liverpool Echo. Retrieved 9 January 2016.
  11. ^ "Coventry City snap up Liverpool midfielder Ryan Kent on a youth loan deal". Coventry City F.C. 10 September 2015. Retrieved 10 September 2015.
  12. ^ "Scunthorpe United 1–0 Coventry City". Coventry City F.C. 12 September 2015. Retrieved 12 September 2015.
  13. ^ "Coventry 4–3 Barnsley". BBC Sport. 3 November 2015. Retrieved 29 August 2016.
  14. ^ "Klopp invites Ryan Kent back to Melwood following impressive Coventry City goal". This Is Anfield. 4 November 2015. Retrieved 9 January 2016.
  15. ^ "Exeter City – Liverpool". BBC Sport. 8 January 2016. Retrieved 8 January 2016.
  16. ^ "Ryan Kent makes loan move to Barnsley". Liverpool F.C. 26 July 2016. Retrieved 28 July 2016.
  17. ^ "Barnsley 4–0 Rotherham". BBC Sport. 27 August 2016. Retrieved 29 August 2016.
  18. ^ a b "Liverpool loanee Ryan Kent wins Barnsley's Young Player of the Season award". 29 April 2017.
  19. ^ "Ryan Kent signs new long-term Liverpool deal". Liverpool F.C. 10 August 2017.
  20. ^ "Ryan Kent joins SC Freiburg on season-long loan". Liverpool F.C. 31 August 2017.
  21. ^ "Ryan Kent cleared to play after Reds return". Liverpool F.C. 8 January 2018.
  22. ^ "City loan in Liverpool's Kent". Bristol City F.C.
  23. ^ MacGregor, Gregor (23 April 2018). "City to be fined by Liverpool over Ryan Kent loan – report". Bristol Post.
  24. ^ Thomson, Nick. "Rangers Sign Ryan Kent". Rangers.co.uk. Rangers Football club.
  25. ^ "NK Osijek 0 Rangers 1". 26 July 2018. Retrieved 10 June 2019.
  26. ^ "Aberdeen 1 Rangers 1". 5 August 2018. Retrieved 10 June 2019.
  27. ^ a b "Rangers 4 Dundee 0". 15 September 2018. Retrieved 10 June 2019.
  28. ^ "Celtic 2–1 Rangers: Neil Lennon angry at Scott Brown treatment". 31 March 2019. Retrieved 10 June 2019.
  29. ^ "Rangers: Ryan Kent offered ban for lashing out at Celtic captain Scott Brown". 2 April 2019. Retrieved 10 June 2019.
  30. ^ "Rangers: Winger Ryan Kent loses appeal as boss Steven Gerrard accepts touchline ban". 4 April 2019. Retrieved 10 June 2019.
  31. ^ "Ryan Kent". 10 June 2019. Retrieved 10 June 2019.
  32. ^ a b "This Is Because of the Fans". 7 April 2019. Retrieved 10 June 2019.
  33. ^ a b c "James Forrest, Steve Clarke & Ryan Kent win PFA Scotland annual awards". 5 May 2019. Retrieved 5 May 2019.
  34. ^ "Jurgen Klopp blocks Steven Gerrard's move for Liverpool ace Ryan Kent". Metro. London. 12 July 2019. Retrieved 29 July 2019.
  35. ^ "SPYING MISSION Leeds United transfer news: Marcelo Bielsa watches Liverpool starlet Ryan Kent as Rangers lie in wait". Talksport. 16 July 2019. Retrieved 29 July 2019.
  36. ^ "Ryan Kent transfer latest as Rangers target 'personally scouted' by Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa". Daily Record. Glasgow. 16 July 2019. Retrieved 29 July 2019.
  37. ^ "Bradford 1 Liverpool 3". Liverpool F.C. 16 July 2019. Retrieved 29 July 2019.
  38. ^ "Liverpool 2 Borussia Dortmund 3". Liverpool F.C. 20 July 2019. Retrieved 29 July 2019.
  39. ^ "Liverpool 2 Sporting Lisbon 2". The Guardian. London. 25 July 2019. Retrieved 29 July 2019.
  40. ^ "Liverpool 1 Sevilla". Liverpool F.C. 21 July 2019. Retrieved 29 July 2019.
  41. ^ "Ryan Kent's pre-season rated by Jurgen Klopp as Rangers wait on news". Daily Record. Glasgow. 25 July 2019. Retrieved 29 July 2019.
  42. ^ a b "Ryan Kent: Liverpool forward completes Rangers move". BBC Sport. 3 September 2019. Retrieved 3 September 2019.
  43. ^ "Ryan Kent: Rangers winger to miss 'at least a few weeks' - Steven Gerrard". BBC Sport. 14 September 2019.
  44. ^ "Rangers: Ryan Kent, Allan McGregor and Alfredo Morelos to leave Ibrox". BBC Sport. 23 May 2023. Retrieved 3 June 2023.
  45. ^ "Hoşgeldin Ryan Kent" [Welcome Ryan Kent] (in Turkish). Fenerbahçe S.K. 12 June 2023. Retrieved 12 June 2023.
  46. ^ UEFA.com. "Fenerbahçe-Zimbru | UEFA Europa Conference League 2023/24". UEFA.com. Retrieved 5 August 2023.
  47. ^ "Fenerbahçemiz Trendyol Süper Lig'e galibiyetle başladı" (in Turkish). Fenerbahçe S.K. 13 August 2024.
  48. ^ "Bilgilendirme" (in Turkish). Fenerbahçe S.K. 17 October 2024.
  49. ^ "R. Kent's matches 2012/13". besoccer.com. Retrieved 12 December 2022.
  50. ^ "Ryan Kent U18 Friendlies 2014". worldfootball.net. 12 December 2021. Retrieved 12 December 2022.
  51. ^ "R. Kent's matches 2014/15". besoccer.com. Retrieved 12 December 2022.
  52. ^ "Versatility, fitness, unpredictability – What Ryan Kent could offer Leeds United". 28 July 2019. Retrieved 29 July 2019.
  53. ^ "Ryan Kent's pre-season rated by Jurgen Klopp as Rangers wait on news". 25 July 2019. Retrieved 29 July 2019.
  54. ^ "Who is Ryan Kent after Liverpool winger emerges as Leeds United transfer target". 10 June 2019. Retrieved 29 July 2019.
  55. ^ a b "Games played by Ryan Kent in 2015/2016". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 4 October 2017.
  56. ^ "Games played by Ryan Kent in 2016/2017". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 4 October 2017.
  57. ^ a b "Games played by Ryan Kent in 2017/2018". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 4 October 2017.
  58. ^ "Games played by Ryan Kent in 2018/2019". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 3 September 2019.
  59. ^ "Games played by Ryan Kent in 2019/2020". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 3 September 2019.
  60. ^ "Games played by Ryan Kent in 2020/2021". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 2 August 2020.
  61. ^ "Games played by Ryan Kent in 2021/2022". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 2 August 2021.
  62. ^ "Games played by Ryan Kent in 2022/2023". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 30 April 2023.
  63. ^ "Rangers top-flight champions for first time since 2011 after Celtic drop points". BBC Sport. 7 March 2021. Retrieved 7 March 2021.
  64. ^ "Rangers 2-0 Hearts". BBC Sport. 21 May 2022. Retrieved 21 May 2022.
  65. ^ "James Forrest, Steve Clarke & Ryan Kent win PFA Scotland annual awards". BBC Sport. 5 May 2019. Retrieved 5 May 2019.
  66. ^ Pirie, Mark (17 May 2021). "Rangers dominate the PFA Premiership Team of the Year but Celtic trio make the grade". Daily Record. Retrieved 18 May 2021.
  67. ^ "2021/22 UEFA Europa League Team of the Season". UEFA.com. Union of European Football Associations. 20 May 2022. Retrieved 20 May 2022.
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