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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Ewan Paton

Leon Balogun leaves Rangers at end of contract as Andy Firth also departs Ibrox

Leon Balogun leaves Rangers at end of contract as Andy Firth also departs Ibrox

LEON BALOGUN and Andy Firth have left Rangers, the club has confirmed. 

The Ibrox side have this evening announced that the Nigeria international and back-up goalkeeper have departed following the expiry of their contracts. 

Balogun joined the club two-years-ago under Steven Gerrard. 

The big defender played a key role in helping Rangers to win their first title in a decade and stopping Celtic from winning ten-in-a-row.

Firth made just one substitute appearance for the club.

A club statement reads: "Rangers can today confirm that Leon Balogun and Andy Firth will depart the club following the expiration of their contracts.

"Defender Balogun initially joined Rangers in the summer of 2020 before extending his contract in 2021, and he went on to make 65 appearances for the club.

"Balogun immediately bought into the club since signing and played a key role in the delivery of title number 55 to Ibrox in the 2020/21, with a 100% home record.

"Additionally, Rangers set a new club record that year of 39 league games undefeated in their final match of the season against Aberdeen.

"Whilst being a key role in the backline, the Nigerian internationalist scored two goals in Europe, both being crucial in helping the Light Blues secure their position in the Europa League final in Seville after a remarkable run in the campaign.

"Leon leaves a Ranger with everyone at Ibrox wishing him well for the next move in his career.

"Firth joined Rangers in January 2019 and went on to sign a contract extension with the club in 2021.

"Everyone at Ibrox wishes Andy well for the next move in his career."

It is expected that the space vacated by Balogun in Giovanni van Bronckhorst's squad will be filled by youngster Leon King next term.

It remains to be seen how the first team goalkeeping choices will look for the Ibrox club.

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