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Leon Balogun has penned a new deal at Rangers to keep him at Ibrox until the end of the 2021-22 season and both Scott Wilson and Steven Gerrard have reacted on the to the Nigeria international penning a new deal.
Balogun, 32, joined Rangers last summer on a free transfer after the Nigeria defender had left English side Wigan Athletic – following the Latics’ financial issues. Rangers took advantage and took the central defender north of the border.
He has since been an important part of Rangers side, clocking up 28 appearances in all competitions for Gerrard’s men. Whether that be playing in the middle of the defence alongside Connor Goldson – or offering cover for captain James Tavernier.
Balogun has put pen to paper on a new deal until the end of the 2021-22 season, which will see him easily surpass 50 appearances for the club if he can remain fit. Both sporting director Wilson and Gerrard reacted on the
Alex Rae also responded on Twitter.
: I am delighted. Leon has been a consistent performer for me and has played a key role in strengthening our defence. His professionalism is obvious both on the field and in the dressing room as well.
“He is a role model for other players. Although he’s 32, he can clearly continue to have a key influence in our squad for another year. I know that he is still ambitious to become a better version of himself and I know he is hungry for more success.”
: “Before we even consider the quality of his football I am delighted that we will have Leon’s character, personality and professionalism here with us at Rangers again next season.”
“Leon joined us last summer on a free transfer and has played an outstanding part in our success as a team and towards a cohesive defensive unit. He loves being a Rangers player and has settled extremely well into life in Glasgow.”
Another positive getting signed up He’s been very consistent throughout the season.
👋👋👋
— Alex Rae (@alexrae1969)
TBR’s view – Keeping Balogun is important, but he should only be cover
If Balogun is to be used as first choice, then Rangers really need to make a signing at centre-back. This season, both Balogun and Filip Helander have chopped and changed in the middle of the defence – neither being as permanent as Goldson.
Helander is probably the pick of the two players, but he certainly lacks pace. Rangers need to consider signing a starting centre-back despite the addition of Jack Simpson and George Edmundson on loan. But keeping him is important, as cover.
