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Ex-Liverpool starlet Ryan Kent's football exile has ended having agreed to a new short-term deal after being released by Fenerbahce five months ago. Kent has signed a contract with MLS side Seattle Sounders, bringing him to the States for the remainder of the league season, with the potential of an extension for another year. Joining Liverpool's academy at just seven years old, Kent navigated his way through the youth ranks before heading out on loan to Coventry City during the 2015/2016 season. His breakthrough season arrived in 2016/2017 while on loan at Barnsley, where he dazzled fans and secured the Young Player of the Year award from his 44 appearances in the Championship where he netted three goals. Further loan spells with Freiburg and Bristol City followed before he made a move to Rangers in 2019, signing a four-year contract after leaving Liverpool. In May 2023, Rangers announced that Kent would bid farewell to the club, leading him to join Turkish side Fenerbahce. His last appearance in a Fenerbahce jersey came during a Champions League qualifier against Swiss club Lugano in July. Before that, he made just a fleeting five-minute appearance against Alanyaspor in February. Those were his only two outings in 2024, as he fell out of favour under Fenerbahce boss Jose Mourinho, finding himself largely excluded from the first team. A promising move to Lazio in January was in the pipeline but crumbled at the last moment. Despite Mourinho’s arrival, it quickly became clear that Kent was earmarked for departure. That brief appearance in the Champions League qualifier last July is the last time Kent stepped onto the football pitch during a match. Kent's steadfast refusal to leave, even amidst offers from Scotland, England, and Saudi Arabia, reportedly ignited frustration in Mourinho. Turkish reports suggest that Mourinho held a blunt private conversation with Kent, stating, 'I will never let you play, ' underscoring that Kent’s future at the club was bleak. This confrontation arose from Kent’s determination to stay despite the odds. His dream turned into a nightmare during his brief Turkish stint, where he appeared just 19 times overall before parting ways with the Istanbul club in October. Now, he’s ready to reignite his career under the guidance of new boss Brian Schmetzer. And on Tuesday the Sounders have officially welcomed him. A statement read: "Sounders FC today announced that it has signed English winger Ryan Kent for the remainder of the 2025 season, with a club option for 2026. "The 28-year-old joins the Rave Green after ten professional seasons in Europe, tallying over 300 appearances across all competitions in England, Germany, Scotland, and Turkey. ” Sounders FC Head Coach Brian Schmetzer said: “Ryan is a very good player with an impressive pedigree, and we’re excited to bring him into our team. “He’s got real quality on the ball, is effective at taking players on and stretches opposing back lines, which should give us another dimension in the final third. “We’re confident Ryan will integrate quickly and give us a big lift as we continue a long, gruelling 2025 campaign. ” © 2025 talk SPORT Limited
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