Roma have targeted a number of players this summer, and the latest name to be linked with a move to Stadio Olimpico is Rangers youngster Kai Kennedy. The 17-year old is one of the club’s brightest prospects, and although he is yet to make a first-team appearance for the Gers, Roma look set to test their resolve with a potential bid for the talented teenager.
EXCLUSIVE: Kai Kennedy wanted by Roma as Rangers face battle to keep rising star https://t.co/ufqlCTBjXN pic.twitter.com/BTTFE02fdf
— Daily Record Sport (@Record_Sport) July 8, 2019
The club were first alerted to Kai Kennedy in February after he was named player of the tournament at the Alkass International Cup. Rangers were victorious in the final, beating the Serie A side on penalties despite having one of the youngest squads in the tournament. They were the first side from the UK to win the competition, and it was Kennedy’s performances which caught the eye throughout. He scored the decisive penalty which secured the title, and he already looks perfectly capable of performing at a higher level.
Kennedy’s contract expires in 2021, and the Scottish Premiership club are yet to tie him down. This has alerted a number of clubs to his availability, and Roma are believed to be leading the way.
Rangers’ academy appears to be flourishing with a plethora of hot prospects including Nathan Young-Coombes and Josh McPake, who are also on the verge of breaking through. The latter has also been linked with a move to Roma, although they face stiff competition from Steven Gerrard’s former club, Liverpool. The club recently re-opened negotiations with McPake in order to avoid losing a potential future star.
The Gers have already begun their campaign with a convincing display in their Europa League qualifying match against St. Josephs. The hosts kept things tight in the first half but saw their resistance broken in the 50th minute. They weren’t the only Scottish Premier League side in action, with Celtic also starting their season in early-July. Neil Lennon’s men were included in Tuesday night’s football tips from Betfair, and as predicted, they made light work of their Bosnian opponents. It should be a fascinating title race between the pair once again this season, with many predicting that it could be a lot closer this time around.
Should he sign for the club, the left-winger would be unlikely to go straight into the first-team squad, although his recent rate of development suggests that it wouldn’t be long until he figures into the managers’ plans.
Roma have already added Leonardo Spinazzola from Juventus this summer, and he is joined by former Napoli midfielder Amadou Diawara. Meanwhile, Bryan Cristante, who joined the Giallorossi on loan last season, has made his move to the Italian capital permanent. The club are still looking to strengthen their squad, with Tottenham defender Toby Alderweireld linked with a move to the Italian top flight, whilst Mariano Diaz’s name has been continually mentioned throughout the summer.
#OnThisDay last year, Bryan @Cristante signed for #ASRoma! ?
We’ve rounded up the 4️⃣ goals our No. 4️⃣ scored in his first season…
pic.twitter.com/IVZalk162K— AS Roma English (@ASRomaEN) June 8, 2019
They are likely to face plenty of competition for one of the hottest prospects in the Scottish top flight, but Roma are keen on the precocious 17-year old. He is direct and skilful and would undoubtedly cause problems for any opposition. Kennedy would be a terrific addition to the Roma squad, and he will undoubtedly go onto bigger and better things. The club must make a serious bid for the 17-year old if they want to stand any chance of luring him away from Ibrox.
