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Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Mark Pirie

Where Leon Balogun stands at Rangers as Connor Goldson deal sets Ibrox domino effect in motion

The new contract of Connor Goldson at Rangers was welcomed with fanfare by both the club and supporters.

The 29-year-old played more minutes for the club last season than any of his teammates, and amid interest from the English Premier League decided his future was at Ibrox.

The unveiling came just hours after John Souttar officially became a Rangers player having penned a pre-contract from Hearts in January.

The Scotland cap becomes another centre-back option in what is quickly becoming a crowded field for Gio van Bronckhorst.

Amid the announcements there has been one notable absentee from the list - Leon Balogun.

Goldson joined Davis in agreeing an extension at Ibrox, and veteran stopper Allan McGregor is taking time to make a final call on hanging up his gloves.

But Balogun has went under the radar and his future with the Scottish Cup winners is up in the air.

The 33-year-old has been used sparingly by Van Bronckhorst since he took over from Steven Gerrard.

Calvin Bassey has become a certain starter at centre-back after a string of impressive performances pushing Balogun down the pecking order.

Borna Barisic's mid-season form slump opened a door for the utility man, with Bassey shifting to left-back and Balogun partnering Goldson at the heart of the defence.

An injury to Barisic in the Europa League final saw Van Bronckhorst revisited that formula at Hampden, with Balogun ending the season on a high with a start and a victory in the Scottish Cup final.

(Rangers FC/PA Images)

Following the game, Balogun confessed he hoped he could stay on with the club:: “Everyone who watches me around the club knows I’ve fallen in love with this club.

“What I said about getting knocked down and getting back up – that’s something I’ve had in my career.

“I’ve had a lot of downs in my career. That’s why me and Rangers are a good fit. Even in the final, I had to go through this and the support was outstanding.

“I would love to stay. I hope they know that and I hope I can announce something soon.”

But with Goldson committing to Rangers, sporting director Ross Wilson faces a big call over Balogun.

Many had expected the Englishman to leave the club, but with Souttar, Bassey and Filip Helander gearing up for pre-season the club have an embarrassment of riches at the back.

That's before Nikola Katic returns from his loan at Hadjuk Split, with the Croat expected to receive a second chance under Van Bronckhorst following his return to full fitness.

The likes of Leon King have also made their case to be part of the first-team picture next season after appearance towards the end of the campaign.

The defender is currently away on international duty with Nigeria, meaning any final decision from the club or player may be put off until after he returns from friendlies with Ecuador, as well AFCON qualification games against Sierra Leone and Mauritius.

The decision if Balogun is the odd man out during the defensive revamp this summer could therefore run until at least June 13.

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