Rangers have officially confirmed that Kai Kennedy has moved to Dunfermline on loan amid West Ham United’s aggressive pursuing. The Gers rejected an offer in the region of £600,000 for their prized asset (as reported by the Daily Mail), but the Hammers’ boss David Moyes submitted further bids, albeit unsuccessfully, to secure his services.
Their most recent bid was over £1m as claimed by renowned journalist Pete O’Rourke.
West Ham have submitted a third bid totalling over £1m for Rangers winger Kai Kennedy with David Moyes pushing agree a deal for the attacker. #whufc #RangersFC
— Pete O’Rourke (@SportsPeteO) July 21, 2021
Rangers recalled the 19-year-old to their first-team training after rejecting the Irons’ second proposal yesterday. The youngster is contracted until the summer of 2023 and the Bears are determined to keep hold of their highly-rated prodigy who impressed on loan last season in the Championship.
Kennedy grabbed his senior Rangers debut last year in a Scottish Cup fixture against Stranraer. However, he had a contract dispute amid interest from European heavyweights but later put pen to paper earlier this year to extend his stay at his boyhood club.
“It is extremely flattering that West Ham have made offers for me and it would be a great opportunity to be able to work with a top manager such as David Moyes, but I am a Rangers player until I am told otherwise.”
Said the attacker when asked about Hammers’ attempts to snap him up. There have been other suitors too as revealed by his agent Paul Tait and the player’s camp were waiting for the Light Blues’ call before making the next career step. The club have now decided to send him back to the second tier for assured gametime.
Why Rangers Have Made The Right Call
Rangers are well equipped in the attacking third with a plethora of options to select from. Ryan Kent is irreplaceable down the left, whereas ex-Aberdeen star Scott Wright has been roped in to challenge and cover the high-flying Englishman. Kemar Roofe and Ianis Hagi have been productive from the right-hand flank and the likes of Jordan Jones, Brandon Barker, Jake Hastie and Glenn Middleton might opt for summer exits after falling down the pecking order.
West Ham have witnessed a massive resurgence under David Moyes. They have finished sixth in the Premier League standings to clinch a Europa League place and the Scotsman, therefore, is having more liberty in terms of transfer business. Kennedy might have not earned a regular status instantly, but the tutelage of his fellow countryman would have seen him flourish in one of the world’s most prestigious football leagues.
Steven Gerrard, too, could not promise him guaranteed first-team minutes during the upcoming term and it is to be seen now whether they continue to play the hardball for a significant financial profit. The contract situation of the teenage sensation has put the Ibrox hotshots in the driver’s seat and an impressing spell at Dunfermline would upend his valuation even if Hammers reignite their interest a year later.
