By: Onyekachi Chimezie
Rock-solid Nigerian defender Leon Balogun has signed a year contract with English Sky Bet Championship club, Queens Park Rangers.
The 34-year-old centre-half was released by Scottish Premiership club Glasgow Rangers in June after his contract expired. During his two years in Scotland, he made 40 appearances in all competitions.
Speaking on the club’s official website, the former Mainz 05 midfielder who transferred to Rangers from Wigan Athletic in 2020 said he is relieved to be playing football once more.
“It is a big relief to know I can get back to action and I am looking forward to it.
Leon Balogun has played for teams such as Türkiyemspor Berlin, Hannover 96, Werder Bremen, Fortuna Düsseldorf, Darmstadt 98, Mainz 05, Brighton & Hove Albion, and Wigan Athletic in addition to most recently Glasgow Rangers, expressed his happiness for the move.
“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,” Balogun said.
“I have managed to keep myself fit. I haven’t been able to have team training so that is what I will try to catch up with as quickly as possible.
“The foundation of my fitness is there so it really shouldn’t take me long,” said Balogun who hasn’t played since leaving Rangers at the end of last season.
Leone Balogun, a Nigerian-born with a German mother, made his Super Eagles of Nigeria debut in a friendly match against Mexico in 2014 after coming on as a substitute for Joseph Yobo.
He has since made 46 appearances for the three-time African champions.
