Balogun Joins Rangers After Wigan Exit
Rangers have signed Nigerian centre back Leon Balogun after his exit from League One bound Wigan Athletic.
The 32-year-old has signed a one year contract with the Scottish side, having completed the season with the Lactics on a short-term deal from Premier League’s Brighton and Hove Albion.
He played a pivotal part in Wigan’s impressive end to the season -he featured 13 times and saw them concede just eight goals with him in the starting 11 – with former Wigan recruitment analyst Dougie Wright claiming that ‘there was no better centre-back in the Championship than Leon last season’.
Following the club’s administration earlier this month, they were deducted 12 points which subsequently saw them fall to 23rd and relegated to League One for 2020/21.
Rangers boss Steven Gerrard said: “His experience in the Premier League, as well as his international pedigree, strengthens our squad and will assist in the development of our young defenders.
“Leon has just finished a round of competitive fixtures with Wigan so will hit the ground running. He’s a positive and bright character and we are looking forward to his influence around the group.”
The German-born centre half began his career at Turkiyemspor Berlin, before having spells at Hannover 96, Werder Bremem, Fortuna Dusseldorf, Darmstadt 98 and Mainz 05.
He moved to Brighton in 2018, making just eight appearances for the Seagulls and scoring one goal.
