The former Rangers man remains without a club after his departure from Fenerbahce in October—but he is now attracting interest from two La Liga sides.
Since leaving Rangers in 2023, Ryan Kent has endured a turbulent period, with the former Ibrox winger still determined to end his four-month hiatus from competitive football. An ex-Liverpool academy graduate, Kent became a free agent after a planned January move back to England with Blackburn Rovers fell through. However, following his termination of a lucrative contract with Fenerbahce in October, he is now reportedly being eyed by clubs elsewhere in Europe as he looks to revive his career.
Kent spent five years in Glasgow, where he made a notable impression before making a high-profile switch to Turkey. Unfortunately, his time in Istanbul was brief; he only made eight league appearances without scoring or assisting, and he was not part of manager Jose Mourinho’s long-term plans. Consequently, it was decided that the 28-year-old would exit the Turkish club just 16 months into his four-year deal.
Despite his achievements—having been a Scottish Premiership champion and Europa League finalist—Kent is still on the hunt for a new employer. Last month, there were strong links suggesting a possible Championship reunion with Todd Cantwell at Ewood Park, and there was even talk of a move to the Saudi Pro League or an offer from Iranian outfit Persepolis. However, those opportunities never materialized.
Now, fresh reports indicate that two La Liga clubs are interested in pulling Kent out of his footballing wilderness. According to Fotomac, the player has made it very clear to his agent that he wants to remain in Europe, and Spanish outlet Fichajes claims that Kent’s wish might finally be granted.
Real Sociedad and Villarreal are said to be competing to sign the forward on a short-term deal. Villarreal, currently sitting fifth in the league and battling for Champions League qualification, and Real Sociedad, who are mid-table after a challenging campaign, both see Kent as an opportunity to strengthen their attacking options outside of the transfer window. They view him as a “low-cost signing with significant potential” and note that he has clear aspirations in the Spanish league.
It is worth recalling that Kent was one of the key figures in Rangers’ title-winning season in 2020/21 under Steven Gerrard, where he scored ten goals and provided nine assists to help secure the club’s 55th league triumph.
