Pundit shares verdict on Leon King quitting Rangers after source’s transfer reveal
Noel Whelan has urged Leon King to “make the most” of his first-team role at Rangers before pushing for a move away from Ibrox.
The former Leeds and Aberdeen striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested the 18-year-old must “keep a level head” and keep being a “standout performer” for Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side.
Football Insider revealed on Tuesday (18 October) that Bayer Leverkusen and Eintracht Frankfurt have joined Man United, Leeds United and Newcastle United in the hunt for Rangers starlet King.
The Scotland Under-21 international’s future is up in the air with his contract due to expire in the summer of 2024.
King has made six starts amid 13 total appearances for Rangers this term – thanks in part to injuries for senior stars Connor Goldson, Filip Helander, Ben Davies, and John Souttar in recent weeks.
The Gers’ most recent youth departure is Nathan Patterson – who initially struggle for game time at Everton before establishing himself as a Premier League regular.
Whelan insisted a move to England’s top flight may well be the “holy grail” for King when he decides to move on.
He told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “I think he’s got to make the most of the time he’s got.
“What he’s doing is right. He’s getting that experience and really enjoying playing in the first team – because it’s a different challenge every week.
“He’s got to keep a level head, keep being a standout performer.
“Whatever happens in the future will then come because you deserve it.
“It’s exciting for Rangers, and it’ll be exciting for this young man. He’s being spotted and talked about by bigger clubs.
“A lot of players want to be in bigger leagues and be successful in the Champions League. It’s a different kettle of fish in the Premier League – it’s the holy grail for many players.”
In other news, Football Insider updates as Rangers set aside “significant” cash for January signing.