Rangers manager Philippe Clement has suggested that there may be a new contract proposal for experienced defender Leon Balogun in the upcoming summer.
Despite his eagerness to defer talks regarding players whose contracts are expiring until after the team's quest for the treble concludes, the Belgian trainer has praised the mindset of the 35-year-old Nigerian defender.
The seasoned central defender returned to the Scottish record Champions for a second stint from Queens Park Rangers (QPR), but the transfer hasn't unfolded as anticipated.
He has mainly played a supporting role behind players such as Connor Goldson and John Souttar.
However, with Goldson sidelined due to a season-ending injury, Balogun now has the opportunity to emerge as a hero in the five remaining games that will define the Gers' season.
He displayed an impressive performance during their 2-0 triumph over Hearts in the Scottish Cup semi-final.
His standout performance in the Hearts game garnered significant praise from his manager.
“I think he [Leon Balogun] was massive today, he played a really good game in the coaching and in the duels with his hunger and desire,” Clement told Rangers TV.
“So I know I have four really good centre-backs and this season they have all played. That is a thing for the next couple of weeks as a team performance and all going forward together in this chase for the title.”
Rangers had gone three games without a win in April, having drawn with Celtic and Dundee while losing to Ross County, but returned to winning ways with a convincing performance against Hearts.
Philippe Clement delivers update on Leon Balogun's future amid contract speculation
With Balogun's contract set to expire, Clement emphasised the importance of focusing on the remaining games of the season before making any decisions about contracts and player evaluations.
Clement stated, “Leon is somebody who showed every day the right mentality, the right passion for the club. So that can be something that is on the table at the end of the season, but it is the end of the season that we can make a really good evaluation about everything and everybody.”
“It’s going to be a very interesting period in that way for us to make the right decisions for next season also. To see how everybody trains, plays, behaves, works, shows resilience in the next couple of weeks because you want to be successful with this club so we need the right players in the building,” The 50-year-old continued.
He further added, “I think it’s now very important we have the next two weeks for the games, that the players are focused on football. If they are busy now with those things it would be a bad thing here. If it was two weeks ago and there was a decision we had time to talk about at that moment, now we need to put it on hold until the end of the season and put everything on these four games.”
Leon Balogun's numbers for Rangers this season
Despite limited game time, Leon Balogun has emerged as a pivotal figure for Rangers in the 2023/24 Scottish elite league season.
With 13 appearances, including 12 starts, the Super Eagles defender has made the most of his opportunities on the field, showcasing consistent excellence whenever called upon by the Gers.
Averaging just 76 minutes per game, Balogun's impact and reliability in the team's defensive lineup remain unquestionable.
Even with limited appearances, his contributions have proven invaluable, underscored by his inclusion in the Team of the Week twice, showcasing his standout performances.
Balogun's defensive prowess has been instrumental in Rangers' success, contributing to the team's impressive record of seven clean sheets in games where he featured.
With an average of 1.3 interceptions, 1.5 tackles, and clearances per game, Balogun has proven himself as a defensive stalwart for the Gers.
The Nigerian international has previously played for Türkiyemspor Berlin, Hannover 96, Werder Bremen, Fortuna Düsseldorf, Darmstadt 98, Mainz 05, Brighton & Hove Albion, and Wigan Athletic, with a loan spell at QPR.
Balogun has made 46 appearances for the Super Eagles with one goal to his name.
