Ryan Kent’s transfer to Seattle Sounders represents a fresh chapter in the career of a player who has experienced highs and lows over the past few years. The 28-year-old winger, who was once the most expensive player of the modern era at Rangers, had a tumultuous end to his time in Europe, with his brief spell at Fenerbahce underwhelming after a promising start at Ibrox. Now, after being released by the Turkish club in October 2024, Kent has secured a move to Major League Soccer (MLS), where he will join the Seattle Sounders, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a desire to prove himself once again.

Kent’s journey to Seattle began when he was initially loaned to Rangers from Liverpool in 2018. His performances quickly caught the attention of the Scottish giants, and Rangers decided to make the move permanent in 2019 for a reported £7 million—making him the club’s most expensive signing at the time. Over the next five years, Kent became a key figure in the Rangers attack, showcasing his impressive pace, dribbling skills, and ability to create chances for his teammates. His time at Rangers was filled with notable moments, from his crucial goals and assists to his role in helping the club lift the Scottish Premiership title in 2021, ending Celtic’s nine-year league title run. Kent was also instrumental in Rangers’ victory in the Scottish Cup in 2022, and his performances in European competitions, especially in the Europa League, where Rangers made an unforgettable run to the final in Seville, further solidified his status as one of the top talents in Scottish football.

However, despite his undeniable ability and moments of brilliance, Kent’s time at Rangers was also marked by inconsistency. Although he had flashes of his best form, he struggled to maintain that level of performance on a regular basis, and his inability to fully meet expectations during the peak of his time at Ibrox left many wondering what more he could have achieved. Ultimately, Rangers did not capitalize on Kent’s potential at his peak, and when his contract came to an end in 2023, the winger decided to make the move to Fenerbahce in Turkey. Unfortunately, his stint in Istanbul was short-lived. Kent found himself relegated to a bit-part role under manager Jose Mourinho, making only a handful of appearances and failing to establish himself as a regular starter. In October 2024, Fenerbahce decided to part ways with Kent, leaving the winger searching for his next opportunity.

Reports had initially linked Kent with a move to Persepolis in Iran, where he would potentially reunite with his former Fenerbahce manager, Ismail Kartal. However, Kent’s desire for a new challenge saw him make the decision to move across the Atlantic to MLS. In a statement to Seattle Sounders’ official social media channels, Kent expressed his excitement about joining the team, saying, “Hello Seattle, it’s Ryan Kent. Looking forward to meeting all you Sounders fans and bringing a lot of success to the team.” The winger, who has previously worn the number 14 at Rangers and number 11 at Fenerbahce, will take on the number 77 shirt at Seattle. The club’s number 7 shirt, traditionally worn by the most creative player, is currently held by US international Cristian Roldan, so Kent will settle for a new number that could symbolize his fresh start in MLS.

Seattle Sounders were quick to praise Kent’s qualities following his arrival. General Manager and Chief Soccer Officer Craig Waibel highlighted Kent’s “top-level experience” and the attributes that made him such a dynamic player during his time at Rangers. “Ryan is a dynamic winger with top-level experience who brings pace, creativity, and a dangerous attacking threat,” Waibel said. “His versatility and work ethic make him a great fit for our system, and we believe he can make an immediate impact and allow us to continue competing at the highest level.”

Sounders Head Coach Brian Schmetzer also lauded Kent’s talents, stressing that the winger’s ability to take on defenders and stretch opposing backlines would give the team “another dimension” in attack. “He’s got real quality on the ball, is effective at taking players on and stretches opposing backlines, which should give us another dimension in the final third,” Schmetzer said. “We’re confident Ryan will integrate quickly and give us a big lift as we continue a long, grueling 2025 campaign.” The expectations surrounding Kent are high, but the Sounders’ coaching staff is optimistic that his experience and skills will help elevate the team in a competitive MLS environment.

Kent’s numbers at Rangers were impressive over his five seasons at the club. He made 218 appearances, scoring 33 goals and providing 56 assists. His contributions to Rangers’ success in domestic competitions and Europe cannot be overstated. Kent was an integral part of the team that won the Scottish Premiership title in 2021 and the Scottish Cup in 2022. He also played a vital role in Rangers’ European run, helping the team reach the Europa League final in Seville, although they ultimately fell short against Eintracht Frankfurt.

Now, Kent will look to bring that experience to the MLS, where he will face a different set of challenges and expectations. Seattle Sounders, a club with a rich history in MLS, will be hoping that Kent’s skill set can help them push for success in the upcoming seasons. With a new environment, new teammates, and the excitement of playing in front of a passionate fan base, Kent will have the opportunity to reignite his career and prove that he still has what it takes to compete at the highest level.

The winger’s move to Seattle could also be seen as a reflection of the growing appeal of MLS for experienced European players looking for new challenges. Kent’s arrival in the league adds to the growing list of high-profile signings and shows the increasing strength of the competition in the United States. For Kent, the move to Seattle is a chance to leave behind the disappointments of his time at Fenerbahce and rediscover the form that made him one of the most exciting wingers in Europe during his time at Rangers. His pace, dribbling, and ability to create chances for his teammates will undoubtedly be assets to the Sounders as they aim to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving league.

As Kent settles into his new surroundings, the Seattle Sounders will be hoping that his arrival marks the beginning of a successful partnership that will help elevate the team to new heights in the MLS. For Kent, it’s a chance to embrace a new challenge and show the world that he still has plenty to offer. With the Sounders’ ambition to compete at the highest level in MLS and Kent’s desire to succeed, this could be the perfect opportunity for both player and club to thrive together.