Why Leeds Must Sign Liverpool Youngster Kent Now That He Could Be Available On Loan
Premier League giants Liverpool could recall promising youngster Ryan Kent back from his loan spell at German side SC Freiburg, as per latest reports in the media.
It is said the Reds are not happy with the 21-year old’s development in Germany, with the wide man seeing little game time. They are considering the possibility of recalling him in order to loan him out to an English club for the second half of the season. So far this season, the England youth international has played only 6 games in the Bundesliga (241 minutes).
This would put EFL Championship club Leeds United on high alert as the Whites were heavily interested in acquiring the services of the youngster in the summer, along with a number of other second-tier sides. Now, with the possibility of Kent’s return to Liverpool, should Leeds look to rekindle their interest in him?
The answer, for me, would be a yes.
The Yorkshire based outfit have been on a downward spiral after a flying start in the second division under new manager Thomas Christiansen. They currently sit 8th in the Championship table after 19 games – three points off the playoff zone.
While they are loaded with riches in the attacking department, not everyone has been able to step up and perform on a consistent basis. Alioski has struggled after a promising start but has shown shades of form in the last couple of games. Kemar Roofe hasn’t been able to put on a strong run of displays on a consistent basis and the same has been the case with Pablo Hernandez too. So, infusing more fresh blood into the wide areas wouldn’t be the worst thing for the Whites.
Kent, for his part, fits the bill. The extremely talented winger had a bright loan spell last season at Leeds’ local rivals Barnsley, where he scored 3 and assisted 3 more in 44 Championship appearances. He may not have registered a goal or assist in his six appearances for Freiburg, but there are hardly any questions regarding his talent and potential.
Capable of playing anywhere in the attack, the 21-year old is known for the natural flair he brings to the table with his exceptional dribbling abilities at pace, with which he can give most defenders a run for their money. And to add to that, his hard-working attitude off the ball and the defensive work-rate mean he would help out his team at both ends.
Despite the number of options at Leeds’ disposal, they should pounce upon any opportunity to sign a player with such innate abilities as Kent, as signing him would add more firepower to their attack in the chase for a playoff position.