Leon Balogun unsure about Rangers’ future as contract end nears

Nigerian and Rangers defender, Leon Aderemi Balogun, might have played his last game for the Record Scottish Champions after suffering a fracture, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 36-year-old has played 26 games across all competitions for the Gers this season, and hobbled off the pitch against Athletic Bilbao in the UEFA Europa League quarter-final due to a cheekbone fracture.

Balogun’s current deal runs out in June. A return date for his injury is yet to be announced, but with just five league games left for Rangers to play this season, it is widely believed that the veteran defender has played his last game for Barry Ferguson’s side.

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Quizzed about his contract situation following Rangers’ loss to Bilbao at the San Mames in Spain, the former Mainz 05 defender revealed he’s unsure about his future in Glasgow, although he’ll prefer to stay.

“I’ve wanted that for ten years, to be a Rangers player, since I stepped into the building. Everyone knows how much I love this club, I embrace everything that it stands for. I’ve really taken it to heart, so if I can stay for another season, I’ll be glad,” the ex-Brighton and Hove Albion defender said in an interview with Rangers Review.

As per Ibrox News, Balogun has played his last game for Rangers. The Scottish outlet reported that Balogun’s consistent injuries have been frustrating for fans, and his recent fracture has not helped his cause.

The Germany-born centre-back is rumoured to be among four players expected to leave Rangers this summer, alongside Tom Lawrence, Ianis Hagi, and Neraysho Kasanwirjo.

With Barry Ferguson keen on remaining Rangers’ head coach beyond this season, the board want the former Scotland International to try to work with younger players, and Balogun (36) is head and shoulders above this perimeter.

Should Rangers keep Balogun?

While he might not be able to play as many games due to his age and acceleration, Balogun has been a very useful tool in the club’s arsenal.

With Rangers set to focus on youngsters from next season, it’s imperative the defender stays, even if he’ll be a squad or fringe player, as the new recruits can learn from his experience, and in turn, he’ll help them settle in at the club, and could possibly take on a player-coach role as time goes on at Ibrox.

Rangers need to clear out a lot of the squad and bring in fresh talent, meaning that extending some of these expiring contracts may not be in their best interests, but it would help the new manager if there are experienced players such as Balogun in the dressing room.