Leon Balogun reveals only one Rangers moment will make him really believe he’s 'home'

Leon Balogun was given a hero’s welcome when he returned to the Rangers defence in Allan McGregor’s testimonial against Newcastle United last week.

It felt like a homecoming, he insists. And that, for a man born in Berlin and an international for Nigeria, represents quite a statement. Balogun’s two seasons at Ibrox ended abruptly when his contract wasn’t renewed after the Scottish Cup final in 2022. He doesn’t try to hide the fact that rejection hurt after serving the club so well and revealed he had become so settled in Glasgow that he remained in the city for three months after being told his career at Ibrox was over.

That might explain the air of disbelief that still emanates from the 35-year-old centre back now that he is back for a second spell. Balogun still shakes his head at the twist of fate that led him back to Govan - an injury to young Leon King that opened the door for an unlikely reunion that he plans to make the most of every single day of the season-long deal he signed.

He’ll most likely feature tonight as Gers’ pre-season preparations continue with a match against Olympiakos before Michael Beale’s team heads to Hoffenheim in Germany for their final friendly on Saturday. And while Balogun will relish being in the thick of things, there’s one more box he can’t wait to tick - a Connor Goldson-shaped box.

The duo formed a fine partnership in Balogun’s first spell at Ibrox but Goldson’s long-term injury has kept him out of the pre-season build-up and thus far, the pair haven’t shared a pitch. That will happen soon enough, though, as the club’s vice-captain nears recovery and when it does Balogun’s grin will be even bigger. Especially when he hears Goldson growling at him. That’s when he’ll realise for sure