Rangers boss Michael Beale has been glowing in his praise of latest transfer singing Leon Balogun; but suggested the move has been in the works for “weeks” rather than days.
The Gers have announced the return of the 35-year-old centre-back to their ranks in the aftermath of young centre-back Leon King picking up a devastating injury.
But whilst plenty have run with the line that the defender has been resigned in response to the injury, Michael Beale claims he’s been in contact with Leon Balogun for weeks rather than days.
“Leon is a player we all know, a fantastic man, excellent football player,” Beale told RangersTV.
“Was here in a really successful period for the team and he’s someone that I worked with at another previous club as well, I have a lot of trust in him as a person and a football player.
“He’s really loved by the staff and his teammates. It’s early in the summer, so there’s going to be more signings come in and out, we have a really fixed idea on some of the work that we’re doing and it’s ongoing.
“Hence with Leon King’s situation we wanted to act fast and Leon is there. He is someone I’ve been speaking to the last few weeks, he’s been working away with his fitness and he’s in a good place.
“We’re delighted that he comes back and joins us, it’s a friendly face for everyone to see, and when he arrived in the camp it was lovely to see how everybody was with him.”
Michael Beale makes Leon Balogun “grey hair” reference
The Rangers boss also made reference to adding “grey hair” back into the squad following the departure of the likes of Allan McGregor and Scott Arfield at the end of the season.
This is perhaps a reference to the same term which was used back at the end of May to describe prospective targets, something which had plenty tipping the likes of centre-back Jonny Evans to join the club.
This is something which suggests Leon Balogun has at least been under consideration for the last little while and certainly more than just the days since Leon King’s injury.
“We lost a lot of experience in the summer in terms of age but also matches and moments on the pitch, big moments on the pitch, for Rangers,” said Beale.
“It’s important that we have a little bit of grey hair in the playing staff and I’m really delighted that Leon’s coming back, he’s a player I know well, it’s low risk in that sense.
“It’s important that we have four senior centre-backs fighting and pushing, we know the issues we had in that position last year.
“I feel delighted that we’ve been able to replace Leon King in a short period of time by bringing Leon Balogun in and we’ll continue to strengthen in other areas if we require.”
Whilst Michael Beale admits Rangers stepped up their interest in Leon Balogun the moment it became clear Leon King was to be sidelined, this deal appears to be a little more than just a spur of the moment reaction to a long-term injury.
