Rangers fans have reacted positively to the news that the club have signed Leon Balogun on a free.
The Gers confirmed via Twitter on Friday afternoon that the 32-year-old centre-back has signed an initial one-year deal, with the club holding an option for an additional year.
👋 Welcome to #RangersFC, @LeonBalogun.
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) July 24, 2020
The 32-cap Nigerian international turned out eleven times in the Championship for Wigan Athletic after arriving on loan from Brighton in January.
Balogun played in the left-sided centre-back role and helped the Latics register five clean sheets and a secure number of wins towards the back end of the season, but they were ultimately relegated earlier this week due to a points deduction and Balogun made a free agent.
The signing strengthens Steven Gerrard’s options at the back with the 6ft 3″ defender providing cover for the injured Nikola Katic.
New Rangers signing Leon Balogun in action for Wigan Athletic earlier this week. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)
Balogun’s arrival will likely allow 20-year-old Lewis Mayo to head out on loan in order to further his development.
The signing has pleased many Bears who feel that the experienced international will provide a good option behind Connor Goldson, Filip Helander and George Edmundson.
Here’s a selection of reactions from Twitter:
https://twitter.com/CommitteeWiz/status/1286676443834064896
Good business👍
— Simon (@simon1872) July 24, 2020
Good defensive cover, pleased with this
— G1ngerBeerD (@g1ngerbeerd) July 24, 2020
Along with McLaughlin and Bassey, Balogun is a solid and welcomed addition to the squad after the injury to Katic and concerns about Helander. Hagi the diamond amongst our signings so far, hopefully we have at least 3 to go.
GK ✅
CB ✅
LB ✅
CM 🤷🏻♂️
RW 🤷🏻♂️
Hagi ✅
CF 🤷🏻♂️— Still staying at home every other Saturday (@CF3Loyal) July 24, 2020
Yasssss
— Mjohnstone (@mjohnstone05) July 24, 2020
Brilliant signing. Great reaction from the club
— Borna Bassey (@FredMorelos1) July 24, 2020
55 in the bag
— DCooper1970 (@Cooper1970D) July 24, 2020
Judge him on the field but looks a smart signing for a back up. Like his height for when we play hammer throwers and sure Joe must have had a word on type of player he is.
— Kyle Fitzpatrick (@Kjfitzdude) July 24, 2020