According to Glasgow Live, Rangers would allow Kai Kennedy to leave on loan amid interest from a host of Premiership outfits. The young winger made significant strides last season in the second tier and his promising display down the wide has now drawn the attention of top-flight outfits ahead of the upcoming term.
The Scotland youth international joined the Gers’ academy ranks at the age of 7. He was handed his first professional contract back in the summer of 2018 and grabbed the senior debut last year against Stranraer FC in a Scottish Cup encounter. Kennedy penned a new deal at Ibrox earlier this year soon after returning from Inverness Caledonian due to homesickness. He then left for Raith Rovers for the remainder of the previous campaign and played a key role in their third-place league finish behind Hearts and Dundee.
The 19-year-old wide attacker featured 37 times last season with Inverness and Raith across competitions. Although he found the net twice and registered 7 assists (stats via Transfermarket), the glimpses of his excellence have not gone unnoticed with clubs circling to secure his services during the ongoing summer window.
Why Kennedy Must Make The Most Of This Opportunity
Rangers rate Kai Kennedy highly but, at the same time, have an array of wide attacking options already. Ryan Kent has been majestic from the left-hand flank, whereas the winter arrival of Scott Wright has pushed him further down the pecking order. Kemar Roofe and new recruit Fashion Sakala are known for their flexibility across the frontline and the teenager, therefore, must wait for at least a couple of more years to stake a claim in Steven Gerrard’s first-team plans.
The Light Blues were forced to loan out Glenn Middleton, Brandon Barker and Jordan Jones who were struggling for minutes behind the likes of Roofe, Kent and Ianis Hagi. They should still be observed next month prior to their Champions League qualifiers and an impressive pre-season might hand them a lifeline to revive their Rangers career.
While the time is running out for the trio, Kennedy still has a lot to learn and gather more experience. These brief stints away from home would help him grow his game in different circumstances. The youngster needs to work on his finishing as well as decision-making in the attacking third which, however, should improve as long as he stays grounded and works hard on the football pitch.
