Nigerian centre half, Leon Balogun has joined Scottish giants, Glasgow Rangers from Premier League campaigners, Brighton and Hove Albion.
Balogun spent the second half of the 2019/20 season with Championship club, Wigan Athletic. The 32-year-old arrives with bags of experience from time spent in the Premier League and Germany’s Bundesliga.
The 6ft 3in defender was born in Germany but is a Nigerian international, gaining qualification through his Nigerian father. He has so far earned 32 caps for the Super Eagles and played all three games for Nigeria at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
Balogun has previously played for Werder Bremen and Mainz in Germany, before he switched to the Premier League where he was signed by Brighton in 2018. One of his best moments for the Seagulls was when he netted in their derby win over Crystal Palace in December of that year. Last season, he spent the second half of the campaign turning in impressive performances on-loan at Wigan.
He played a major role with Wigan as they battled under incredible pressure to secure their safety in the Championship following their issues around ownership.
Balogun is expected to add further competition in the centre of defence for Rangers following the injury to Niko Katic. Rangers manager, Gerrard commented expressed happiness at the completion of the move
“I am pleased to secure the signature of Leon. He is an experienced centre half who will add strength and depth to our squad,” Grrrard told the club’s official website.
“His experience in the Premier League as well as his international pedigree strengthens our squad and will assist in the development of our young defenders.
“Leon has just finished a round of competitive fixtures with Wigan so will hit the ground running.
“He’s a positive and bright character and we are looking forward to his influence around the group,” he said.
The club’s Sporting Director, Ross Wilson also spoke about the move explaining that the injury to Katic was key in the Gers moving in quickly for the Nigerian.
“We quickly targeted Leon after adapting our transfer plan when Niko Katic suffered an injury a few weeks ago.
“We agreed terms with Leon shortly before going to France enabling Leon to give Wigan his full focus, particularly in the situation they found themselves in.
“Leon impressed Steven and I with his enthusiasm and excitement to join Rangers from the moment we first spoke whilst the staff at Brighton and Wigan couldn’t have spoken any higher about his personality and abilities,” he added.
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