Rangers are likely to release numerous players this summer, and Leon Balogun is the first to confirm his exit.
Balogun’s contract expired at the beginning of June, but his future was uncertain because he stated he wanted to stay at Ibrox.
Rangers are in for a big upheaval as the 49ers’ takeover of Govan nears completion.
The 36-year-old has already stated that he will quit, but has expressed his dissatisfaction with how his departure has unfolded.
Balogun slams Rangers uncertainty ahead of exit
The centre-back’s future has been the subject of much conjecture in recent weeks, and this continued as he played the entire 90 minutes of the Gers’ penultimate home game against Dundee United before leaving hurt against Hibernian.
Balogun had already played his final game for Rangers and at Ibrox, but he was unaware of it at the time.
The Nigerian has now confirmed that he will leave, but in his exit statement, he bemoaned the fact that he did not say a proper goodbye at Ibrox.
| Leon Balogun stats | 2024/25 Scottish Premiership |
| Appearances | 20 |
| Starts | 12 |
| Minutes played | 1071 |
“If I would have known that the last two games of the season were my last for the club, I would have made sure to say goodbye to all of you accordingly,” he wrote in a statement posted on X.
“Unfortunately, I wasn’t afforded that opportunity, which saddens me as I would have liked to walk around Ibrox one last time and return all the love and support you’ve given me during my two stints.”
Rangers right to let Balogun leave
Although he is a popular figure at Ibrox and an experienced leader in the dressing room, Rangers were correct to let Balogun leave rather than prolong his contract.
Balogun has struggled with injuries this season, making only 20 league appearances, and as he gets older, his conditioning may deteriorate.
Rangers need to add younger talent to their back line, and when a new manager and ownership group take over, going in a different way will benefit all parties.
Balogun was a standout player at Ibrox during his two stays, making 114 appearances and scoring three goals, and fans will be disappointed that they were unable to give him a befitting sendoff.
