If reports are to be believed, Leeds United are preparing a loan move for Liverpool winger Ryan Kent. The 20-year-old has become a hot prospect among clubs this summer following an impressive stint with Championship side Barnsley, and Leeds’ search for a backup winger has taken them to the England Under-20 international.
Leeds United have been quite aggressive in the transfer season this summer following the disappointing season in the Championship last season. Though Garry Monk failed to deliver the Whites a playoff position last season, what he has essentially done is bring a spark in them. And their new owner Andrea Radrizzani looks determined to build on it in the upcoming campaign.
New manager Thomas Christiansen has been given full liberty to get in the players he likes, and the Whites, as a result, have completed nine signings so far. It seems that the Spanish boss is looking to add an option in almost every position and left wing is among the few areas yet to be beefed up. Though Stuart Dallas and Kemar Roofe did handle the flank quite well for the Yorkshire club last season, Kent’ arrival could bring in a variety in their attack.
And Leeds are strongly rivalled by competitor Hull City in Kent’s signature. Liverpool’s successful transfer of Robertson could be used by Hull as a second leverage to facilitate Kent’s temporary move to KCOM Stadium. Hull have already asked for Liverpool midfielder Kevin Stewart in a swap deal and good faith won’t be enough for them to land Kent.
Kent’s biggest strength is that he isn’t injury prone. The Oldham-born player played 47 games for, managing to score three goals and assist the same number of times. The player broke into Liverpool’s Under-23 side back in 2014 but hasn’t found a way to take the next big step. He has since then gone on loan twice, to Barnsley and Coventry and runs the risk of going another season out of Klopp’s plans.
A left winger by nature, the player can also play on the right flank as well as through the centre. It was his dribbling ability from the left flank that has brought him to the limelight. His phenomenal pace blended swift movements could be an effective weapon for any side. He has also played in a more central role at Barnsley that makes him quite versatile across the attacking third.
At 172cm, aerial duels are definitely not his strong trait, but his clever movements make him an interesting option. Jurgen Klopp doesn’t have many options on that left wing apart from Philippe Coutinho and sometimes Adam Lallana and Kent could be a good backup option.
