Liverpool winger Ryan Kent has joined SC Freiburg on a season-long loan deal, as he looks to continue his development in the Bundesliga.
The 20-year-old signed a new five-year contract with the Reds after an impressive pre-season, but failed to make any of Jurgen Klopp‘s first five matchday squads.
Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah are established as the German’s first-choice wide options, and £35 million deadline-day signing Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is able to cover both flanks.
This left Kent in need of regular first-team football elsewhere, and he is set to find this under Christian Streich at Freiburg.
Kent had attracted interest from 32 different clubs this summer, largely from the Bundesliga and the Championship, with Hannover 96 pulling out of a deal earlier on Thursday.
Freiburg finished seventh in the German top flight last season, but failed to reach the Europa League proper after losing to Domzale in the third qualifying round.
Streich’s side will provide Kent with a major test of his credentials, and Klopp will be hoping he is able to prove himself.
The youngster has previously spent loan spells with Coventry City and Barnsley, but this serves as a step up, with the prospect of taking on Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig.
Freiburg lost 4-1 in their last clash before the international break away to Leipzig, but Kent’s arrival will boost Streich’s attacking options.
Kent will be the third player for Liverpool supporters to keep an eye on in the Bundesliga this season, along with Naby Keita at Leipzig and Divock Origi, who is on loan at VfL Wolfsburg.
He is the fifth player to leave on a temporary basis on deadline day, following Origi, Allan Rodrigues (Apollon Limassol), Toni Gomes (Forest Green Rovers) and Jordan Williams (Rochdale).
Sheyi Ojo (Fulham), Pedro Chirivella (Willem II), Shamal George (Carlisle United), Connor Randall (Hearts) and Taiwo Awoniyi (Mouscron) have also left on loan this summer.
Good luck, Ryan!
Fan Comments