Leon King could suffer at Rangers as transfer update emerges at Ibrox
Leon King’s development could suffer next season after it was reported that Leon Balogun has extended his stay with Rangers.
The 20-year-old centre-back had been given a chance to impress by Philippe Clement in two of the final matches of the season, though somewhat struggled to perform at senior level.
King was only given the opportunity due to first-team injuries, only making three substitute appearances in the Scottish Premiership until May, with Balogun, John Souttar and Connor Goldson sidelined.
As soon as Balogun returned for the Old Firm derby in the Scottish Cup final, the young defender was nowhere to be seen as Rangers lost 1-0 at Hampden Park.
Though Goldson and Souttar have been linked with summer exits, The Scottish Sun has reported that Balogun has signed a new one-year extension, with his contract about to run out.
While defensive reinforcements will be needed ahead of the 2024/25 campaign, the 35-year-old’s contract extension is only going to take valuable game time away from King.
Leon King to suffer at Rangers as Leon Balogun extends Ibrox stay
While King still has a lot of developing to do, it does not seem likely that the defender will be sent out on loan this summer. He can only improve if Clement gives him the opportunity.
The youngster has amassed 37 appearances since making his debut in October 2020, earning promotions to the first team every so often but not being able to secure a spot permanently.
With Jose Cordoba also set to arrive at Ibrox from Levski Sofia, King will have even fewer chances to implement himself in Clement’s side, halting his development for another season.
Of course, the academy product can be rusty at times, but that will only fade with time, experience, and knowledge from senior defenders, which he seems to be missing out on.
In other Rangers news, another player is on the verge of signing on at Ibrox.
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