Report: Leon Balogun hits appearance target to clinch new Rangers deal
Leon Balogun has triggered an automatic extension in his Rangers contract and the club are set to announce a new 12-month contract, according to SunSport.
The 32-year-old’s previous £14,000-a-week deal [Salary Sport] was due to run out in the summer but against Slavia Prague he reached the 23 starts target that activated a new deal.
Steven Gerrard is said to be ‘more than happy’ with Balogun extending his Ibrox stay after being left ‘thrilled’ by his heroics this season as Rangers romped to the Premiership title and secured No.55.
SunSport report that the Light Blues are set to officially announce Balogun’s new contract later this week, once he and the rest of the international stars have returned from their national team duties.
The Nigeria international joined Gers as a free agent last summer after a short spell at Wigan Athletic and he has shared central defensive duties with Filip Helander this season, alongside ever-present Connor Goldson.
Savvy signing
This is a deal that makes complete sense for Rangers.
In Balogun they are retaining the services of an experienced defender who has shown his versatility and importance to the side this season, particularly in recent months as he deputised at right-back to cover for the injury-stricken James Tavernier.
Gerrard clearly trusts him as evidenced by his decision to omit Helander from the Gers starting XI in the second-leg of their crucial Europa League tie with Slavia on March 18.
Balogun was preferred in central defence due to his athleticism and while events unravelled dramatically as he was issued two yellow cards and sent off, it highlighted how integral Gerrard considers him to be as he presents a different option to the towering presence of Helander.
Gers signed Jack Simpson from Bournemouth in the winter transfer window to swell their defensive ranks further and Nikola Katic will hope to be back fighting fit after injury ruined his whole 2020/21 campaign.
That means Balogun will face increased competition for a starting place but he appears to be a favourite of Gerrard and will be confident off forcing his way into the reckoning.
In other Rangers news, Jermain Defoe speaks out on Ibrox future.