Leon Balogun completes move to Rangers

Rangers have completed the signing of Nigeria international Leon Balogun on a one-year contract, with the Scottish club having the option to extend the deal by another year.
The defender — who has been assigned the no.26 shirt — moves to Ibrox Stadium after a six-month loan with Wigan Athletic.
“RANGERS are today delighted to announce the signing of Nigerian international defender Leon Balogun on a 1 year deal, with Rangers having an option for a further year,” the club announced on their official website.After playing for a number of German clubs, including Hannover and Mainz, Balogun moved to English club Brighton in 2018.
In January 2020, though, he was sent out on loan to Wigan Athletic, who were competing in the English Championship at the time.
Born in Germany to a German mother, the centre-back chose to represent the country of his father, Nigerian.
He made his international debut in March 2014 in a friendly against Mexico, coming on at half-time.
It wasn’t a dream debut for the former Werder Bremen star, as he lasted for just 20 minutes in the game due to a fracture he sustained following a collision with signage on the touchline.
The 32-year-old was expected to be included in Nigeria’s 23-man list for the 2014 World Cup, but missed out on the mundial after failing to recover from the injury he suffered in the friendly against Mexico.
Capped 32 times by Nigeria, the 6ft 3in defender was named in the Super Eagles squad for the World Cup.He starred in all of Nigeria’s three matches at the competition.
Less than a year later, Balogun helped Nigeria claim an Africa Cup of Nations bronze medal in Egypt.
His arrival at Ger — where he will link up with his international team-mate Joe Aribo — would boost the Glasgow side, according to Rangers head coach Steven Gerrard.
Gerrard said: “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.”