Leon Balogun is set for a surprise Rangers return after being drafted in as cover for crocked kid Leon King.
The Ibrox outfit announced the teenage centre-back had suffered a serious injury blow during their pre-season camp in Germany. And with the Scotland Under-21 ace facing a “significant” lay-off, boss Michael Beale has turned to Balogun as he looks to beef up his rear-guard options. The 35-year-old Nigeria international played a significant role for Steven Gerrard’s Light Blues as they lifted the Premiership title in 2021 and was also key as Gers marched all the way to the final of the Europa League a year later under Gio van Bronckhorst.
He quit Ibrox that summer as he was reunited with Gerrard’s former No.2 Beale at QPR and is now set to follow his former Loftus Road boss back to Glasgow. Record Sport understands Balogun - a free agent after the expiry of his one-year Rs deal - was back in the city yesterday for medical tests.
And he’s now set to rejoin his former side as he fills in for the stricken King. With the start of the Premiership season and Gers’ opening Champions League qualifier just three weeks away, Beale is keen to ensure he is not left short in defence.
His main man at the back Connor Goldson is still some weeks away from full fitness, leaving John Souttar and Ben Davies as his only experienced centre-backs. Summer signing Dujon Sterling can operate in the middle of defence but is more comfortable at right-back.
The injury news is a major blow for King, who was hoping to build on a promising breakthrough campaign last year that saw the 19-year-old register 23 appearances - including six Champions League group-stage run-outs. Ibrox chiefs last night broke the news in a statement that said: “Rangers can confirm defender Leon King suffered a contact injury to his ankle at the club’s pre-season training camp in Germany on Monday which will rule him out for a significant period of time.
“Leon is being looked after by the club’s medical staff and a further update will follow in due course. Everyone at the club wishes Leon a speedy recovery.”
King tweeted: “Gutted. Not what anyone wants in pre-season, but I’ll be back stronger soon. Thanks for the messages everyone.”
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