There is a recurring theme whenever Rangers fans talk about their veteran centre-half Leon Balogun – if only he was 10 years younger.
It was the same story in January 2019 in Steven Gerrard’s first season as Rangers manager when Jermain Defoe and Steven Davis both arrived at Ibrox to add experience and quality.
They, despite their advancing years, were an instant upgrade on anything already in the Rangers squad with both players making telling contributions over their time at the club.
Defoe in particular became useful for helping to rotate Alfredo Morelos and, latterly, Kemar Roofe, whilst chipping in with 32 goals and 10 assists in 74 appearances – most of these being off the bench.
The England international was always lean and had plenty of pace to lose, which raises the question of whether or not Rangers could make a similar move.
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Jamie Vardy says goodbye to Leiceister City
After their relegation from the Premier League, Jamie Vardy has decided that his time at Leicester City is at an end and has released an emotional farewell:
“To the fans of Leicester, [I am] gutted that this day is coming, but I knew it was going to come eventually,” Vardy said. “After 13 unbelievable years, with lots of success, some downs but majority highs, it’s time to call it a day which I’m devastated about.
“But the timing is right. I want to thank you all for taking me in as one of your own. Leicester will always have a place in my heart and I will make sure I am following for the years to come in what I hope is more success for the club. For now, this is my goodbye. But I hope to see you soon, I promise.”
Could Rangers repeat Defoe swoop for Vardy?
At 38-years old, Vardy is still as fit as a fiddle and has featured in 31 Premier League games this season with seven goals and three assists – it is an easy comparison to make with Defoe.
It was something of a coup to land Defoe given his £100,000 per week salary, but he was worth every penny of whatever Rangers paid.
In today’s money Defoe would be worth a fortune and the 42-year old has named just how much he would go for, via TBR:
“£100m?” The host of an ESPN podcast asked how much Defoe would be worth in today’s market.
“Yeah, English, prime, goalscorer, here’s a statement for you, even someone like a Darren Bent, he doesn’t get enough flowers. How much is he going for now? £100m plus. If you’re English and a consistent goalscorer, £100m plus.”
Vardy might not have quite been on the same level as Defoe, but playing for Rangers needs a certain type of character – character that he has in abundance.
