Rangers ace Leon Balogun responds to ‘fake news’ about his future
Rangers defender Leon Balogun’s contract at Ibrox runs out at the end of the season.
At 36, it is unclear how many more years the Nigeria international has left in the tank both for club and country.
This season, he has played 13 league games for Philippe Clement’s side and has been a reliable custodian in defence.
Leon Balogun is still keen on representing the Nigeria team
Flashscore asked the centre-back to respond to the “claims” surrounding his retirement from international football.
Having represented his country on 46 occasions, Balogun has dismissed suggestions that he is hanging up his boots.
He said: “False claims. I think I clarified recently. Sorry to be a bit harsh there, maybe, but it’s out there. And I just said it to you yourself. Those claims are, how do we like to say nowadays? Fake news.”
The 36-year-old has also scored once for his nation and may be looking to add another goal before calling it quits.
Rangers may look to keep Leon Balogun for another season
Balogun has demonstrated both reliability and leadership on the pitch, contributing significantly to the team’s defensive solidity.
His experience, particularly in the Scottish Premiership where he previously won the league and the Scottish Cup, adds invaluable depth and mentorship to a squad that is undergoing changes.
Clement has acknowledged Balogun’s positive influence both on and off the field, highlighting his role in maintaining high standards and team morale.
Moreover, with the departure of several senior players, retaining someone like Balogun provides continuity and stability during a period of transition.
His performances under the Belgian have evidently been persuasive enough for the manager to advocate for his extension, showing that the 36-year-old still has the physical capability and tactical understanding to perform at a high level.
Additionally, offering a one-year contract mitigates risk for the Ibrox outfit as it allows them to assess his ongoing contribution without long-term commitment while they continue to scout and develop younger defenders.
This move also reflects a pragmatic approach to squad management, balancing experience with the potential for new talent.
It remains to be seen what the plans are for the player and also the club as Clement himself is not guaranteed to be there next season.