Rangers needed to bring in a new centre back when Nikola Katic went down with an injury this summer – and Steven Gerrard went for Leon Balogun.
Katic will likely miss the majority of the season with a major knee injury, and Gerrard wanted somebody to complement Connor Goldson, Filip Helander and George Edmundson.
Gerrard went for experience in the end, bringing Balogun to Ibrox on a free transfer from Wigan Athletic after his short-term deal with the Latics came to an end.
On paper, this looked like a sensible move; Balogun has bags of experience at 32, played in the Bundesliga with Mainz, the Premier League with Brighton, and at the World Cup with Nigeria.
Primarily a physical centre back, Balogun can also play at right back, and he was outstanding on his debut against Aberdeen in August.
Rangers have the option to extend Balogun’s one-year deal by another year, and whilst Katic will be back in 2021, Balogun is showing the quality to land an extension having been part of a defence that is yet to concede a league goal this term.
Now, Brighton assistant Billy Reid – the former Hamilton Academical boss – has offered his view on Balogun, praising him to The Sunday Mail (06/09, p56).
Reid hailed Balogun’s display against Aberdeen, and predicts that he will ‘do well’ in a Rangers side that he doesn’t think will concede many goals – and believes that Balogun was merely a victim of competition for places at Brighton.
“Leon is a bit older but did really well in his first couple of games for Rangers,” said Reid. “He probably never got much of a chance at Brighton if I’m honest. We’re just so strong in that department.”
“Leon’s a quiet guy who doesn’t disrupt the dressing room. He’s very neat and tidy at the back – and has good pace for his age. He did really well at Pittodrie on the opening day and will do well in a Rangers team that doesn’t look like conceding too many goals,” he added.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
