Nigeria international, Leon Balogun, has declared his intention to stay at Ibrox. The player is more than happy for the club to take up the additional year option that they have on his current contract.
This is something that manager Steven Gerrard has spoken about previously, given the relative success of the Nigerian international defender so far in his time as a Ranger.
Aderemi Balogun (born 28 June 1988) is a professional footballer who plays as a defender for Scottish Premiership club Rangers and the Nigeria national team.
Balogun was born in Berlin, West Germany[23] to a Nigerian-Yoruba father and a German mother.
Balogun speaks fluent English and German but does not speak Yoruba, the language of his father as his parents tried to assimilate him into German culture.
In a wide-ranging, informative and insightful interview, he was asked about his career path to date and if he has planned a return to Germany.
Balogun responded: “I was born in Berlin and if there were another opportunity for me at home or in Germany, it would be outstanding.”
“But with Rangers, we are first looking at the Champions League if we successfully qualify. Who wants to miss this?”
“When I stop playing football, I will return to Germany.”
“If it happens before then, I don’t mind. But my near future lies with the Rangers.”
Balogun signed for Scottish Premiership club Rangers on 24 July 2020 on a one-year contract, with an option in the club’s favour to extend for a further year.
He made his debut for Rangers a week later, on 1 August, in a Scottish Premiership match against Aberdeen where he impressed during a 1-0 win. During February 2021, he deputised at right-back after an injury to club captain James Tavernier and the suspension of reserve player Nathan Patterson. Balogun previously played at right-back earlier in his career when in Germany.