Rangers transfer business slammed by BBC pundit as ‘nervous’ Leon Balogun returns to Ibrox
Richard Foster has branded Leon Balogun’s Rangers return as “desperate” as part of a withering critique of the defender’s ability.
The 35-year-old re-signed for the Light Blues after a year away last week (12 July) once Leon King was ruled out with a significant injury, making it the second time in the past 12-months that Michael Beale had picked him up after taking him to QPR last August.
The Gers manager was already in the market for a central defender, with Jonathan Panzo the closest to a deal, but the injury blow forced him to act fast, yet BBC pundit Foster is far from impressed.
The ex-Gers defender said on BBC Sportsound, as per the Daily Record: “I’m going to upset a lot of people here, I find myself doing that no matter what I say but I think it’s a bit desperate from them. I was never fully convinced with Balogun when he was here. Initially, I would give him an allowance because I thought he was younger, I didn’t realise he was in his 30s.
“He makes a lot of mistakes, he doesn’t look composed. When you compare him to someone like Connor Goldson, who is a very good defender but he has composure and a presence. I don’t think Balogun brings that, he brings a nervousness to the Rangers defence when he plays, from the outside looking in.”
Harsh
Everyone will have their own opinion on Balogun as a player, but as emergency cover in place of 19-year-old King, who himself was clearly not first choice, it seems like an inoffensive move.
The manager still wants a new man in who may be slated to start next to Goldson when fit, but given the extensive injury issues suffered at that position he frankly can’t have too many to choose from.
If Panzo can’t be wrapped up for next term it would be a disappointment either way, so Balogun coming back in doesn’t need to be trashed as a poor signing in comparison.
Given Foster apparently didn’t even know how old the Nigerian international was his analysis perhaps should be taken with a pinch of salt anyway.
John Souttar, if fit, should be an able partner for Goldson, but the injury doubts are significant with the Scotland international, and after the previous 12-months arguably also for the Englishman.
Ben Davies has been mooted as one to possibly leave, but the King injury may have put paid to that if Beale wants to ensure he isn’t left short-handed.
Unless there is a crisis this season Balogun is unlikely to feature regularly, but should be an able back-up when called upon.
And he clearly loves the club so as a cheap and available option to respond to an early fitness blow Rangers could have done a lot worse.
In other Rangers news, the Gers have put “millions” on the table as Beale looks to seal a deal for an exciting target he “adores”.