Leon Balogun never heard back about Rangers contract amid ‘heartbreak’ Ibrox exit
Leon Balogun left Ibrox in the summer, and his latest comments revealed that he was ignored by Rangers during discussions over a new deal.
Balogun spent two seasons at Ibrox and played a major part in the club’s Europa League run and Scottish Cup success last season.
But the 34-year-old then made a surprise departure in the summer after his contract expired. However, Balogun told The Beautiful Game Podcast (23:23) that he did everything possible to try and extend his stay.
“For me it was a sad departure, I love that club. I got infected with their blue fever,” said Balogun.
“You can say for me it was a heartbreak. I did not leave Rangers, it’s more like I got released – I think that’s a fair way of putting it. I did not really expect it.
“I never received an offer. We were talking but I never received an offer.
“It felt like a drag. We then sent an offer – a few days before the contract ended but didn’t hear back from them. Then on May 31, I got a call from my agent telling me they were not going to do it.”
More bad decisions
The decision to let Balogun leave was immediately slammed by Rangers fans, and the disastrous season that followed only proved them right.
Gers have fallen nine points behind Celtic, endured the worst-ever Champions League group stage in history and sacked Giovanni van Bronckhorst amid an injury crisis in defence.
Balogun’s presence at the back has been dearly missed since his exit, and the news that Rangers ignored his request for a new contract shines the board in an even worse light.
Douglas Park and Ross Wilson are already facing pressure for their decisions in the boardroom at Ibrox, and this Balogun revelation only adds to their horrible last year of blunders.
Transfer business needs to massively improve following the appointment of Micahel Beale, otherwise, Gers will find that the gap to Celtic will just keep growing.
In other Rangers news, Ross Wilson claims that Rangers were extremely close to signing an unnamed Dutch player under Giovanni van Bronckhorst