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Rangers’ teenage defender Leon King’s future hangs in the balance

By Hikithe Achumi

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - NOVEMBER 09: Leon King of Rangers applauds the crowd at the final whistle during the Cinch Scottish Premiership match between Rangers FC and Heart of Midlothian at on November 09, 2022 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - NOVEMBER 09: Leon King of Rangers applauds the crowd at the final whistle during the Cinch Scottish Premiership match between Rangers FC and Heart of Midlothian at on November 09, 2022 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images) /
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The future of teenage defender Leon King at Rangers is in doubt, according to reports. The Sunday Mail’s veteran football writer Scott McDermott anticipates the 19-year-old centre back will depart Ibrox at the end of the current campaign.

McDermott expects incoming manager Michael Beale to sign another central defender to partner Connor Goldson, casting doubts over King’s prospects.

Since bursting onto the scene out of necessity under former boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst, the youngster has scarcely featured under Beale’s interim stewardship.

Speaking on The Record Rangers podcast, McDermott said:

"“I don’t think Michael Beale will see John Souttar or Ben Davies as first choice centre backs next season. I expect him to sign another centre-back to play alongside Connor Goldson. With Helander going and it doesn’t look like Leon King has much of a future there, whether he goes on loan or if they sell him, that would give you four defenders.”"

While King failed to excel when thrust into the spotlight against European heavyweights like Napoli, Liverpool and Ajax, he certainly didn’t disappoint.

His baptism of fire came too soon, however, and a nasty concussion in November rightly saw him sidelined to recover.

Leon King faces uncertain future

Though recently returning to Rangers’ squad, the prospect of regular first-team football could tempt King to seek a temporary move away.

He boasts a long-term contract, so a loan deal may suit all parties. While not yet ready to anchor Rangers’ backline, King’s youth and potential means writing him off would be premature.

The young Scotsman didn’t get the plaudits he deserved for standing up to the task, yet time is still on his side.

A stint playing every week could benefit King’s development more than riding the pine at Ibrox, but his future remains open. There’s no need to rush this Glasgow boy wonder.

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