Middlesbrough Opinion: Why Ryan Kent would be a good fit at the Riverside?

According to a report from Bristol Live, Middlesbrough are one of the clubs interested in signing Liverpool winger Ryan Kent this summer.

Kent, 22, has returned to Anfield after a superb loan spell at Rangers but he is still miles away from forcing his way into Jurgen Klopp’s starting XI. After a series of loan spells in recent seasons, at Barnsley, Freiburg, Bristol City and the Gers, he may not want another short-term spell.

But Middlesbrough would have to stump up around £12 million if they want to bring the speedy winger to the Riverside ahead of the new campaign—a fee that may well be beyond the club.

The likes of Leeds United and newly-promoted Premier League side Aston Villa are also interested in Kent, while Rangers remain keen to retake the 22-year-old on loan, the report adds.

But Boro’s new manager Jonathan Woodgate must try his level best to thrash out a loan deal for the talented Ryan Kent.

Woodgate has replaced Tony Pulis at the Riverside Stadium and is tasked with getting the club back to the Premier League.

Middlesbrough were one of the favourites for promotion until the midway stage of last season, but lacklustre displays and poor results meant they failed to make it to the play-offs. They just missed out on the top six by just a point.

However, the Teessiders will surely be targeting a top six finish again this season. If Woodgate can maintain the defensive solidity but add more quality in the attacking third, they should be well set for a bright season in the Championship.

Adequate funds to spend in the transfer window may not be available at Middlesbrough, so the new manager must effectively exercise the loan market to enhance his squad.

A player like Ryan Kent could be perfect for Boro. The 22-year-old enjoyed the best season of his short career to date last term at Ibrox. Kent, who scored six goals and set up nine more for Rangers in 2018/19, saw him named Scotland’s Young Player of the Year.

An exciting player who is blessed with abundance of pace, Kent has shown the willingness throughout his career to take on his marker and leave him for dead with his burst of acceleration and dribbling skills. He has the ability to create some real moments of magic that would get the Boro faithful up from their seats.

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The 22-year-old is very direct something which Middlesbrough missed last season following Adama Traore’s departure to Wolves. Furthermore, Kent would complement Britt Assombalonga, who had to largely feed on scraps under Pulis.

Verdict

If Woodgate manages to bring in Kent on loan and play the exciting brand of football he has promised to the fans, there’s no reason as to why Boro can’t challenge for top-flight promotion.