Balogun makes ’emotional’ admission as imminent Rangers exit addressed
Rangers are set for big changes in the summer, and several first-team players could leave the club ahead of their rebuild.
49ers Enterprises are expected to complete a takeover of the Gers, which will see them appoint a new manager and invest in the playing squad.
Rangers are yet to appoint their successor to interim boss Barry Ferguson, and a decision could be made at the end of the season.
With just two games remaining, there is uncertainty over several players, including defender Leon Balogun, who is out of contract at the end of the campaign.
Balogun makes Rangers contract plea
Balogun is one of the oldest players in the Rangers squad, but he is a popular figure at Ibrox and is still a key performer in the back line.
Rangers have paused contract talks with Balogun until their new manager is appointed, and whoever takes charge can decide whether they want to keep the 36-year-old or let him go.
Speaking to reporters, as per Herald Scotland (12 May), Balogun claimed that he does not yet know whether he will stay, and hinted that he wants to continue amid talk of an imminent exit.
“It’s hard to say [when I will know], because it’s not in my control. I don’t know what stage the whole thing is,” he stated.
“I mean, they’re on the search for a manager, I don’t really know, so it’s not my business really, until it becomes mine, hopefully. I don’t know if there are any deadlines, I can’t say. I would tell you, but I can’t.
“I try not to think about it too much. I’m quite relaxed, to be honest, but maybe that’s just who I am.
“I can be very, very emotional, but I will keep that for the moment where I have certainty, which I don’t have at the moment.
“[My future] It’s written in the stars, so I’ll trust the big man upstairs … and some people up here in the club, so we’ll see.”
| Leon Balogun stats | 2024/25 Scottish Premiership |
| Appearances | 18 |
| Starts | 11 |
| Minutes played | 972 |
Balogun has also insisted that despite his age, he is more than capable of playing a big part for Rangers next season.
“Without trying to sound arrogant, age is nothing but a number,” he added.
“I’ve looked after myself throughout my whole career pretty well, I’d like to think, which is the reason why I can still perform at this level.
“If I felt that I was starting to really struggle, I would admit it, but I absolutely do not feel that way.”
Rangers could benefit from Balogun extension
Rangers may wish to clear out as much of this squad as possible as they embark on their new era, under a new manager and ownership.
This could mean out-of-contract stars such as Balogun depart, but there is merit in keeping him around for his experience.
If Balogun is willing to accept a backup role, as he has done this season, then he would be a useful figure in the dressing room and over the course of the season.
Rangers fans would certainly prefer it if Balogun stays as backup ahead of Robin Propper, who has been disappointing throughout his time at Ibrox.
Given the changes Rangers are about to go through, an experienced head such as Balogun could be vital off the pitch in this upcoming season of transition, and a one-year deal could benefit all parties.