'He thrives in a Rangers shirt' - Pundit urges Scottish champions to offer new deal to Nigerian

Rangers Review columnist Garry Carmody has urged Glasgow Rangers to offer a new deal to Nigerian central defender Leon Balogun.

The Super Eagles star will enter the final six months of his contract with the Scottish Premiership champions in January 2022.

Although Balogun's signing in July 2020 was not one many fans expected Rangers to make considering the player's age when he arrived on a free transfer, he has been a very good signing, helping the club win the title in his first season at the club.

The former Brighton & Hove and Wigan Athletic man has emerged as one of the best center backs in the Premiership and is seen as a versatile player as he's also comfortable slotting in as a right back.

Carmody is of the opinion that the experienced Balogun deserves at least a new one-year deal that will keep him at Ibrox Stadium until the end of the 2022-2023 season.

"He thrives in a Rangers shirt. He has discussed his passion and enjoyment of playing for the club, particularly in the midst of taking the knee and the support he received," Carmody said on Balogun in his column.

"Turning 34 as his contract ends and may not be suited to play every week, but his experience could be vital as new players arrive.

"He currently plays in every game but has also shown he is suited to rotating and could continue doing that when the squad once more has a full complement of centre-backs.

"It’s a big compliment to Balogun that Rangers will lose him, Aribo and Bassey to the African Cup of Nations in January, and his loss will be as big to the team as that of Aribo. "

Balogun was the hero for Rangers as they defeated Brondby 2-0 in the Europa League last week, opening the scoring in the 18th minute for his first goal for the club.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel