FORMER Super Eagles of Nigeria defender Leon Balogun has penned a new deal at Rangers, the club announced last night.
“Rangers Football Club can today confirm Leon Balogun has signed a contract extension ahead of the 2024/25 season,” the Scottish giants stated.
“The experienced defender, who is in his second spell with Rangers, has committed his future to the club for another year.
“Joining Gers for the first time in 2020, Balogun enjoyed a successful spell in Glasgow playing a crucial part in the title winning season in 2020/21 and lifting the Scottish Cup in 2021/22.
“Leaving to join Queen’s Park Rangers in 2022, the Nigerian international spent a year in London before returning north to rejoin Rangers last summer.”
The 35-year-old ex-international said he was looking forward to another exciting year at Ibrox.
“I am very, very happy and privileged to be able to extend my contract at a club like Rangers. I have said in the past I wish I could’ve been here sooner in my career because it fuels the fire to succeed all the time,” Balogun said.
“I want to win more trophies here and win more titles. As a player, you want to make sure you are part of the history of this club because there are not many places in the world where there is a greater honour or a greater privilege.”
Rangers manager Philippe Clement added: “I am delighted Leon has signed a contract extension with the club to remain as a crucial part of our squad next season.
“In my time here so far, I have witnessed first-hand the impact he has not only on the pitch but off the pitch too with his valuable experience. He is a talented defender, who brings a lot of qualities to the group, and I look forward to continuing to work with him next season.”
Balogun made 19 appearances, starting 18 of them, in the Scottish Premiership, SFA Cup (in both of which Rangers were runners-up) and the successful League Cup campaign.
He, however, did not play a single minute in Rangers’ UEFA Champions League qualifying round matches and the Europa League, but the club’s hierarchy were happy with his contributions.
Rangers Director of Football Recruitment, Nils Koppen, said: “Leon has been an important player for this club and knows what it is like to represent Rangers.
“At a time of change within the squad, a player with Leon’s experience is vital and it is fantastic we have been able to secure him for another season.”
