Rangers squad for next season is already taking shape following on from the three winter window acquisitions.
Steven Davis has extended his contract by another season and will be joined by another “veteran” in the shape of Leon Balogun after the 31-cap Nigerian international triggered a clause in his deal that sees him automatically stay at the club.
The Scottish Sun has reported that the 32-year old hit 23 first-team starts against Slavia Prague, although, there is every chance that if he hadn’t played the requisite games that he would have been offered at least another year anyway judging by the comments of Steven Gerrard recently:
“Leon is someone we want to keep hold of. He knows that and he is performing so well.
“He signed a contract with an option of an extension and we want him to be here beyond this season.
“Leon knows he is wanted here. I think he’s enjoying it, he’s playing with a smile on his face.
“He’s come in and made the team and the squad a lot stronger. In terms of everyone else, it’s a case of let’s be patient and wait for the right time.
“When it’s the right time we will reward the individuals that need rewarding.
“There’s no talks with any of the players at the moment. But that doesn’t mean that we’re not keen to keep them with us.”
Balogun may have struggled a couple of times at right-back to cover James Tavernier but it’s not an easy position to play in our system, also, what has been glossed over, is that he hasn’t had the protection of Ryan Jack that the skipper enjoys.
As the manager mentions, Balogun has made the squad a lot stronger, last season when Filip Helander got injured, it’s no coincidence that we started to struggle defensively – our record on the way to the title proves that he has been a shrewd signing and one that Gers fans will be glad to see again next year.