The defender has acknowledged that Leon Balogun wants to continue at Rangers but is still unsure if he will be given a new contract at Ibrox
The centre back’s deal expires in the summer, and while he has stated that talks have not yet begun, he is hoping that his outstanding performance in the 2-0 victory over Hearts, which secured a spot in the Scottish Cup final against Celtic, will spark conversations about extending his stay.
He would also prefer to know his future sooner this time, as he was unhappy with his 2022 departure from the club under Giovanni van Bronckhorst [The Beautiful Game Podcast]. However, with one month left until the campaign ends at Hampden, he is still in the dark for the time being.
Balogun stated, through the Daily Record, on April 23: “Hopefully. Has my future been discussed? Not quite yet. I have no idea what will transpire. I believe the club will make those judgements in the coming weeks.
“Hopefully, I receive a notification a little sooner than I did the previous time! I hope to come across as fairly optimistic while discussing the manager’s Sunday selection of me, but
Following his impressive display against Hearts, Ally McCoist declared the Nigerian international “undroppable,” saying that Goldson would now need to replace John Souttar in the starting lineup.
Balogun would most likely be eligible for a contract extension if he were a few years younger, but the fact that he will turn 36 in two months seems to be making the club hesitant.
Given Goldson’s inconsistent play this season, there was a strong case to be made for Balogun’s return to the starting lineup before the weekend. However, the manager decided not to use Goldson at all following his February facial fracture, even though he had started him in every SPFL game through November and December.
Ben Davies and Leon King are also predicted to go on, despite the fact that it appears doubtful that Goldson will be leaving in the summer and that Souttar has finally made a name for himself this season.
Maintaining a trustworthy veteran in the team has many benefits, even though a deal to bring in Harry Souttar may be reexamined after it was unsuccessful in January.
Cheick Diabate of Exeter City and Pierce Sweeney of Exeter City during the Exeter City 2022 kit launch at St James Park, Exeter on 27 June 2022. Photo: Phil Mingo/PPAUK
Even though Balogun, Goldson’s senior, has played in much more games than the former, it can be argued that the latter has aged less thus far despite the passing of several years.
Furthermore, the elder man has shown his love for the Rangers, so even a one-year extension would probably be satisfactory.
In other Rangers news, a “really good” transfer option this summer is guaranteed to give the Light Blues a 25-goal league lift.
Follow us on Facebook or sign up for our brand-new WhatsApp Channel to receive updates instantly for more Rangers news.
