Credit: Imago

Aheed Abrar

Sat 19 April 2025 19:10, UK

Leon Balogun has been a loyal servant for Rangers, but his time at Ibrox could potentially come to an end soon.

The 36-year-old has spent almost two years at the Gers, but he may leave in the upcoming transfer window for pastures new.

Balogun’s current contract at Ibrox expires at the end of the season, and it will be interesting to see whether the Light Blues will offer him an extension.

The Nigeria international has been pivotal for the Glaswegian outfit when he’s fit, but his consistent injuries have been frustrating for fans.

Rangers lose Balogun after injury v Athletic Club

Balogun was substituted against Athletic Club in the second leg of the Europa League at San Mames with an apparent injury.

The centre-back confirmed to the BBC (18 April) that he’s fractured his cheekbone again and might need a small surgery to fix it.

While the 36-year-old is optimistic about returning to action before the end of the season, only time will tell how long his recovery will take.

With the Gers out of the Europa League, they’ve nothing really left to play for, with league matches almost inconsequential in the Scottish Premiership title race.

Barry Ferguson to trust youngsters at Ibrox until end of season

Barry Ferguson may have been hoping to continue at Ibrox beyond the current campaign, but it appears his chances of becoming the permanent manager have diminished after losing to Athletic.

While Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises will undoubtedly have the final say once they complete their takeover, the former Scotland international doesn’t seem to have much chance of extending his interim stint.

For now, Ferguson and his backroom staff of Billy Dodds, Allan McGregor and Neil McCann will want to leave the Light Blues in a better place going into next season.

Jonny McFarlane has urged the 47-year-old head coach to experiment with the youngsters in the final stretch of the season, which could potentially mean Balogun won’t play again for the Glaswegian outfit.

The Scottish journalist wrote in the Rangers Review (18 April): “There’s no point in playing guys who won’t be part of the squad next season or could benefit from a break. Let the departing have their swansong against Brendan Rodgers’ side, and the tired go and recharge their batteries for next term.

“Let’s see Baily Rice get a prolonged run in the starting XI, Clinton Nsiala at centre-back and Findlay Curtis in the team. We know what we are going to get from the experienced ones, but perhaps there’s a kid in there who can pull a surprise and make an emphatic claim.”

Ferguson has the chance to leave a lasting legacy with his managerial choices until the end of the campaign, and the emergence of a new reliable prospect in the coming months would arguably be influential for the Gers.

Where that’ll leave Balogun will be interesting to see, although it would be right to give the centre-back a farewell before he leaves.