By Jon Brady’s own admission, a former Rangers youngster who helped his side win promotion last season and then returned to keep them safe in the division above should now be aiming to make his mark at a higher level.
The latest in a long line of talented young players to emerge out of Brighton and Hove Albion, Marc Leonard is being tipped to ply his trade in England’s second tier at the very least next term, presuming Northampton Town’s midfield maestro is destined to spend another season out on loan in 2024/25.
But, Glasgow born and having represented Rangers at youth level, could Leonard also be considered for a return to the club – and the country – where he begun his footballing journey?
Brady certainly thinks so, telling the Daily Record that Philippe Clement‘s Glasgow giants and their Old Firm neighbours should be all over a Scotland under 21 international who has made some ‘scary’ progress over the last few months.
Rangers tipped to bring back Marc Leonard
“I would say Marc Leonard is one that both Rangers and Celtic should be looking at,” Brady argues. “I know both teams have a lot of talent in the midfield but Marc is an outstanding young Scottish player. He can go all the way to the top.
“And if Rangers or Celtic were to come in for him then I feel he has the talent to flourish for either side.”
Leonard, who spent four years at Hearts after leaving Rangers, moved south of the border with Brighton in 2018.
Brady recently claimed that the 22-year-old is among ‘the best players ever to wear a Cobblers shirt’. High praise indeed.
But with his Brighton contract expiring in 2025 and with Roberto de Zerbi hardly short of midfield talent, offers will likely be considered for a player who might not be rushing back to The Amex with a place on the bench awaiting him.
Jack and Lundstram nearing Ibrox exits
“There is a lot of interest in him from the English Championship. Certainly with the ability he has, for me, he has to be testing himself, at least in the Championship,” Brady adds. “He would be a huge asset to any team in that league.
“The improvement in him has been scary. (Leonard) came as a very good technical player but now he has gone up so many levels. He has risen to every challenge we gave him and in the end, he was just grabbing games by the scruff of the neck and being a real difference maker.
“He came as a young player but has left Northampton as a man. This season, he has five goals and nine assists. His key passes and progressive passing in the final third were all outstanding.
“To come out of academy and be so robust at his age is a huge credit to him.”
Rangers are likely to be in the market for a midfielder, with Ryan Jack and John Lundstram set to become free-agents in July.
