Cypriot club Aris Limassol pushing to sign Super Eagles defender after release by Rangers

Cypriot First Division side Aris Limassol are eyeing a summer move for experienced Super Eagles centre-back Leon Balogun, according to reports from Thema Sports.

Balogun, who will turn 37 in two weeks, is currently a free agent following his release by Scottish giants Rangers at the end of the 2024–25 campaign.

The Nigeria international is reportedly close to joining Aris on a free transfer.

Should the move go through, Balogun would reunite with former Rangers teammate Connor Goldson.

The pair developed a strong understanding during their time at Ibrox, where they featured together in 73 matches across all competitions.

Aris head coach Artsyom Radzkow is said to be banking on that chemistry to shore up his defence.

Goldson struggled for much of last season as the defensive line lacked cohesion, contributing to Aris conceding 31 goals—ten more than eventual champions Pafos.

Balogun brings a wealth of experience to the table, having made 114 appearances for Rangers over two spells, during which he scored three goals and provided four assists.

He helped the club win the Scottish Premiership, Scottish Cup and Scottish League Cup, and was part of the squad that reached the UEFA Europa League final in 2022.

Before his time in Scotland, Balogun had spells with several clubs across Germany and England, including Türkiyemspor Berlin, Hannover 96, Werder Bremen, Fortuna Düsseldorf, Darmstadt 98, Mainz 05, Wigan Athletic and Queens Park Rangers.

Aris are keen to finalise the signing in the coming weeks as they look to build a formidable defensive partnership ahead of the upcoming season.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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