£7m ex-Rangers star available for £0: Derby County & Sheffield United should plot moves | OneFootball

Derby County and Sheffield United should consider moves for free agent Ryan Kent

Former Rangers star Ryan Kent has been a free agent since January 2026 following his release from MLS side Seattle Sounders, with the 29-year-old failing to make an impact during his brief spell in the United States, as a return to the United Kingdom ought to be on the cards.

Kent, 29, came through the ranks at Liverpool and spent time on loan with the likes of Coventry City, Barnsley, Freiburg, and Bristol City before making a permanent switch to Rangers in the summer of 2018 for around £7 million after a successful loan spell at Ibrox.

He spent four years in Glasgow before an ill-fated spell in Turkey with Istanbul giants Fenerbahçe, where he notably fell out with legendary Portuguese boss José Mourinho, seeing his contract terminated after just 18 months.

Now, Kent is a free agent after a brief and unsuccessful stint with Washington-based club Seattle Sounders in the MLS, but still only 29, he could still have a lot to offer at a high level.

Why Championship sides should be interested in Ryan Kent as a free agent

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During his time with Rangers, Kent scored 33 and 56 in 218 games across all competitions for the club, playing a pivotal role in the Glaswegian side's invincible campaign during the 2020/21 season under Steven Gerrard.

The winger would remain a regular under Giovanni van Bronckhorst as Rangers reached the Europa League final in 2022, playing 120 minutes as the Gers lost out to the German side on penalties.

Whilst his career has seen something of a downturn since, there is no reason to believe that Kent has completely lost his ability, and at 29, he ought to be in his physical prime, although he would need some time to get up to speed, especially in the Championship.

On a free transfer, he ought to be an interesting option for a host of clubs in the English second tier, as Football League World takes a look at two sides that should consider his services.

Derby County

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Under John Eustace, Derby County have been a side on the up, finishing just outside of the play-offs last season, but after a difficult summer transfer window, the Rams are at risk of sliding back.

The departures of Ben Brereton Diaz and Jaydon Banel from their loan spells, and failure to replace them, have meant that Derby have no natural wing options in their squad, as Eustace appears to be reverting back to a back three shape, utilising wing-backs instead.

However, injuries to the likes of Matt Clarke, Derry Murkin, and Craig Forsyth leave just Charlie Taylor and Eiran Cashin as the only other options in the squad that are fit and available and can play on the left side of the defence.

Should Derby have wing options instead, Eustace could switch to a back four to mitigate the injuries to those key personnel, and should consider a move for Kent.

Rhian Brewster faces a spell out of action, Patrick Agyemang is still recovering from a ruptured Achilles, whilst Carlton Morris hasn't been involved in a matchday squad since before the end of August, leaving Eustace light in that area of the pitch, too.

Kent's addition, whilst he wouldn't be fully up to speed right away, would add an interesting option on that left flank, and provide the former Birmingham City and Blackburn Rovers head coach with an alternative to switch to another system if deemed necessary.

Derby.

Sheffield United

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Sheffield United have recently completed the addition of former Aston Villa, Swansea City, Crystal Palace, and Leicester City forward Jordan Ayew as a free agent to reinforce their final third, as head coach Chris Wilder has displayed his willingness to delve into the free agent market if deemed necessary.

The Blades have been restricted to loans and free transfers over the summer window after the loss of parachute payments, whilst the sale of Andre Brooks, Gustavo Hamer, and Callum O'Hare will have left them particularly weaker in that area of the pitch.

Whilst the return of Brereton Diaz, as well as the additions of Romelle Donovan and, more recently, Ayew, will go some way to replacing them, it would be hard to argue that there hasn't been a significant dip in quality as a result.

Wilder should continue to explore the free agent market, just like he has done with the likes of Patrick Bamford, Jairo Riedewald, Matt Doherty, and now Ayew, by considering a move for Kent.

With Sheffield United more often than not deploying a 4-4-2 or 4-2-3-1 shape, wingers are crucial to their system, and having another option that's capable of playing on either side wouldn't hurt.

Kent has over 50 appearances in the English second tier under his belt and is no stranger to the division; on a free transfer, it could be a win-win scenario for all involved.

The former Liverpool winger would get the chance to display his talents in England once again, and Sheffield United would benefit from his performances, as Wilder would be remiss not to explore the possibility of this deal becoming a reality.