Leon Balogun has signed for Queen’s Park Rangers in the English Championship ending the unlikely possibility of a return to Ibrox for the German-born Nigeria international.
It means a Rangers reunion in more ways that one, with Michael Beale in charge as head coach at the west London club.
A new arrival in west London ✅#QPR | #LeonArrives pic.twitter.com/Lhdq7JrRPp
— QPR FC (@QPR) August 26, 2022
He may be 34 but Balogun still has plenty to offer at a good level in football and the Championship will provide this platform where he can contribute, especially at a club like QPR.
Having kept up his fitness with a personal training programme over the Summer, the Scottish title and cup winner now needs to regain his sharpness in a team environment but he will be raring to go after securing his short-term future with a one-year deal at Loftus Road.
Mutual admiration
Balogun and Beale are obviously no strangers to each other, in what sounds like a very amicable agreement. It’s a no risk decision for both parties with plenty of shared benefits.
They were both quoted by the R’s official website, reflecting on the signing:
“It is a big relief to know I can get back to action and I am looking forward to it,” Balogun said. “We have been speaking for some weeks so I am happy we got it done.”
“The manager is one of the main factors for me. When he left Rangers I messaged him and said in terms of a football brain he is one of the best I have worked with. He is obsessed with football and what I always admire about him is the way he treated the players, and the way he got ideas into your mind.”
The popular former Ibrox coach Beale added:
“I am delighted with this one, I have been chasing him all summer.”
“I like the way he carries himself. He is a very special person in terms of his personality. He has got elite standards and I have seen that first hand.”
Very best wishes to both former Gers on their endeavours for the season ahead. There will be plenty of interest keeping an eye on the progress of QPR.