Leon Balogun ‘set for brutal Rangers exit’ after developments at Ibrox
Leon Balogun has been a reliable player for Rangers, but an exit could potentially be on the cards in the upcoming transfer window.
The Nigerian centre-back was impressive as the Gers recently drew 1-1 against Celtic at Ibrox in the Scottish Premiership.
With Robin Propper struggling since signing for the Light Blues last summer, there has been a lack of defensive stability, with the 36-year-old defender also mostly unavailable due to injuries.
Supporters would arguably have Balogun start at Ibrox over the Dutchman, but an exit is on the cards with his contract expiring.
Rangers to move on from Balogun as Ibrox problem laid bare
Balogun shouldn’t be handed a new contract at the Glaswegian outfit, Gavin Berry says.
The Record journalist believes the Gers’ problem stems from their unwillingness to let go of players at the right time, and they undoubtedly need to be brutal about such decisions.
| Competition | Appearances | Points per game |
| Scottish Premeirship | 16 | 1.94 |
Berry feels it’s the right time for the Light Blues to part ways with the Nigerian defender, who will turn 38 in June.
Speaking on Game On (9 May), the journalist said: “This is part of the problem of where Rangers are currently because of that kind of attitude: ‘We’ll just give him another year’. No. They need to be moving on. As well as he played last week, he’s 37 in the summer. They have to be moving on from someone like Balogun.”
Ibrox needs defensive reinforcements in summer transfer window
John Souttar’s contract at Ibrox will enter its final year soon, and the Gers should attempt to tie him down for longer.
Dujon Sterling is the other centre-back option for the Light Blues, but the Englishman’s consistent fitness issues make him unreliable.
Supporters haven’t been pleased with Propper’s performances since his move from FC Twente last summer.
Rangers have been defensively weak under Barry Ferguson, as evidenced by their inability to keep clean sheets in recent months.
While the interim boss will likely leave soon, the next manager needs to be given the right personnel to make progress next season.
With the imminent arrival of 49ers Enterprises and Andrew Cavenagh, fans hope the Gers will have money to spend next summer reinforcing their squad.
While every department at Ibrox could use quality additions, the backline evidently should be prioritised.
Even if Balogun signs a contract extension, the Light Blues can’t expect him to be a regular starter.