Celtic can’t even think of going for Rangers’ Ryan Kent this summer

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On yesterday’s Clyde 1 Superscoreboard (Wednesday 27th March, 6pm), Jim Duffy threw up the idea of Celtic going for Ryan Kent.

The Rangers winger, on-loan from Liverpool, will be returning to Anfield at the end of the season. He’s had a decent time of it in Glasgow too – scoring five and assisting six in 21 Premiership appearances.

And this is what former Celtic youth player Duffy had to say about it on the popular Clyde 1 show.

“He’s a Liverpool player and yes, he plays for Rangers. But he isn’t a Rangers fan.

“Celtic paid £9million for Edouard, who’s a player with potential and certainly wasn’t the finished article. I think Ryan Kent is certainly not the finished article and he’s got a lot to learn. His final ball, he’s got to create and assist more, he’s got to score more goals.

“If it was somewhere around the £7m mark then it might be an investment for Celtic.”

Overpriced and need better

There are a few reasons as to why Celtic shouldn’t even dare chase this deal. Take away the fact he’s played for Rangers – that shouldn’t be our only reason as to why Celtic shouldn’t move for him.

Liverpool, however, are reportedly demanding over £12m for him. Now, compare that with the stats he’s produced this season. Nine assists overall and five goals. Yes, it’s a decent return at this stage of the season, but is it £12m worth? Nowhere near it.

Secondly, Celtic are in a delicate place at the moment. In the summer, they’ll likely be looking to build their team for 10-in-a-row. If a player such as Kent was brought in, then having him, Lewis Morgan, and Scott Sinclair battling down the left isn’t good enough. Celtic simply need better, particularly for Europe.

And don’t get us wrong – Kent absolutely tore Mikael Lustig a new one at Ibrox. He was one of Rangers’ most impressive performers on the day, but he’s hardly stepped up week-in, week-out for them this season.

Come the time Scotland’s Player of the Year candidates are up for debate, it would be a surprise if Kent was near it.

He’s had a good season at Rangers, but nothing more. Celtic have to aim higher for that kind of money, and his stats simply don’t read well enough to warrant any Hoops interest.