Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has confirmed he wants Leon Balogun to remain at Ibrox next season amid contract uncertainty surrounding the defender [Herald].
Balogun joined the Gers on a free transfer in July [Rangers.co.uk] and hit the ground running with a strong debut showing at Aberdeen just days later.
He’s made 20 appearances across all competitions so far this season and impressed in the vast majority of those, although he recently lost his place in the team to Filip Helander.
Balogun joined on an initial one-year deal so there has been some uncertainty regarding his long-term future at Ibrox, but the Gers have an option to extend his contract by a further year and it’s one that Gerrard is keen to take up.
“We have six centre backs at the moment but that won’t be the case in the summer,” said the Rangers boss ahead of Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Hamilton [Herald].
“Leon has something in his contract that might trigger on its own in the coming weeks.
“But we don’t have to wait for that because we are really happy with the player and I want him around for next season anyway.”
Balogun has struggled with injuries in the past and had already turned 32 before joining the Gers, which explains the club’s decision to only initially grant him a one-year deal.
However, aside from the odd niggle, he’s proven himself to be a reliable and quality addition to the defensive unit, with his pace and assuredness on the ball two of his key assets.
The recent signing of Jack Simpson from Bournemouth has increased competition for places at the back but based on what he’s shown so far in Light Blue, it’s no surprise Gerrard wants to hold onto the Nigeria international.
Meanwhile, a Rangers-bound midfielder has made some exiting comments ahead of his summer transfer to Ibrox.
