Ryan Kent has officially joined Fenerbahce on a free transfer after his Rangers contract ran out, as confirmed in a tweet by journalist Fabrizio Romano.

The ex-Liverpool academy graduate will join Fenerbahce at the start of the 2023/24 season – he has signed a four-year deal with Sarı Kanaryalar.

In the video featured on Romano’s tweet, Kent says: “Hello Fenerbahce fans, this is Ryan Kent. Firstly, I would like to congratulate everyone associated with the club for winning the [Turkish] cup.

“It’s an honour to be joining Fenerbahce – after speaking with the club, I’m aware of the targets for next season and I look forward to helping my team achieve those goals, starting with the Super Cup next month. I’m excited to start pre-season to meet my teammates and to meet you fans. Take care.”

How will Ryan Kent’s departure affect the squad?

The loss of Kent will, no doubt, be felt by the Rangers squad. A talented, hard working midfielder, he will need replacing – sooner, rather than later.

If he isn’t replaced in the squad, his position will likely be filled by John Lundstram, Nicolas Raskin or Ryan Jack. Despite this, they will miss the utility options that Kent offered them – while a capable central midfielder, he is also well-suited to playing in wide midfield.

Ryan Kent’s time at Rangers

After a successful loan spell in the 2018/19 season, where he won the PFA Scotland Young Player of the Year award, he secured a permanent move to the Ibrox Stadium the following year for a reported transfer fee of £6.5 million.

Kent went on to make 113 Light Blues appearances, scoring 22 goals. Additionally, during his stint in Glasgow, he helped guide the Gers to a Scottish Premiership title, a Scottish Cup and they also reached the final of the Europa League in the 2021-22 season.