Rangers reveal Leon Balogun contract decision as one other Gers star set to LEAVE Ibrox
RANGERS have announced the Leon Balogun is leaving the club.
The 33-year old centre back joined on a free transfer from Wigan in July 2020 and went on to play an important role for the Ibrox side.
Rangers have also confirmed that goalkeeper Andy Firth is to leave the club.
He joined the Ibrox club as a back-up option under Steven Gerrard in January 2019.
Balogun went on to play an important role in the side that won the Premiership title in 2020/21.
Making 28 appearances in all competitions, Balogun formed a strong partnership with Connor Goldson in a Rangers defence that broke clean sheet records on their way to becoming champions.
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Despite the emergence of Calvin Bassey as a stand-out defensive star for Rangers this season, Balogun actually saw his game time significantly increase in the campaign just gone.
He made 37 appearances across all competitions, playing a particularly key role in the remarkable run to the Europa League final.
Balogun's only two Rangers goals came in that competition this season.
He scored the opener in the crucial 2-0 win over Brondby in October, the Ibrox side's first win in the group stage.
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Balogun then thundered in a header as Rangers swept Red Star Belgrade aside 3-0 in Glasgow to take full control of their last 16 tie in the first leg.
He didn't feature in the final defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt in Seville, but he was back in the starting XI for the Scottish Cup final.
As it turns out, that was to be Balogun's final appearance in a Rangers shirt.
He played the full 120 minutes of the 2-0 triumph over Hearts at Hampden, getting his hands on silverware.
Balogun leaves the club having made 65 appearances in all competitions for Rangers.
In a parting message to the centre back, the club posted: "Forever blue.
"Leon leaves a Ranger with everyone at Ibrox wishing him well for the next move in his career."
Balogun's exit comes in the same week centre back partner Connor Goldson committed himself to another four years at Ibrox.
Along with Goldson, Calvin Bassey, Filip Helander and new recruit John Souttar are all vying for the central defensive places, with Nikola Katic also set to return from his loan spell in Croatia.
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Youngster Leon King also emerged on the scene towards the end of last season, impressing when given his opportunity.
Rangers have also tied up new deals for veteran midfielders Scott Arfield and Steven Davis ahead of the new season.
Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page