Rangers sign defender Leon Balogun on initial one-year deal

Rangers have announced the signing of Nigeria international defender Leon Balogun.

The 32-year-old joins the Ibrox side on an initial one-year deal having left Brighton, with the club having an option for a further year.

The signing follows a serious injury to Nikola Katic which is set to rule him out for a long spell.

Balogun spent the second half of last season on loan at Wigan, and has previously played for Werder Bremen and Mainz before joining Premier League Brighton in 2018.

He has 32 caps for Nigeria.

🆕 #RangersFC are today delighted to announce the signing of @NGSuperEagles international defender @LeonBalogun on a 1-year deal, with Rangers having an option for a further year.

👉 https://t.co/5txoPbTjV7 pic.twitter.com/Ms18wYouvf

— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) July 24, 2020

Rangers manager Steven Gerrard told the club’s website: “I am pleased to secure the signature of Leon. He is an experienced centre half who will add strength and depth to our squad.

“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.”

Sporting Director Ross Wilson added: “We quickly targeted Leon after adapting our transfer plan when Niko Katic suffered an injury a few weeks ago.

“We agreed terms with Leon shortly before going to France enabling Leon to give Wigan his full focus, particularly in the situation they found themselves in.

“Leon impressed Steven and I with his enthusiasm and excitement to join Rangers from the moment we first spoke whilst the staff at Brighton and Wigan couldn’t have spoken any higher about his personality and abilities.”