Leon Balogun seals Rangers transfer return as he pens one year deal following Leon King injury

Leon Balogun is back at Rangers on a one-year deal after the club confirmed his return with a surprise pre season video cameo.

The Nigerian international reunites with Michael Beale a year after leaving Ibrox. Balogun wasn't offered a new contract at the end of the 2021/22 season by Gio van Bronckhorst, despite wanting to remain at his "football home." The Dutchman's loss was Michael Beale's gain, who snapped up the 35-year-old on a free transfer for QPR. However, the Londoner left the R's just months later in order to replace van Bronckhorst in Govan.

And that has eventually paved the way Balogun to make the same journey back to Scotland. Record Sport exclusively revealed he was in talks over a switch and now Beale has moved to bolster his defence with a familiar face. It's a timely addition too, after young defender Leon King was ruled out for a "significant period" of time with an injury, leaving Beale looking a bit light at the back.

Set to deploy a back three this season, Balogun will provide cover for Connor Goldson, John Souttar and Ben Davies in the centre back positions. King's injury has turned out to be not as serious as first feared. The teenager is hopeful of being back in two months, but Balogan will still be required during a hectic start to the 2023/24 campaign.

He told the club's website: “I am just excited to be honest, it is still a bit unreal but it is very real, so I am just really really happy to be back at Rangers – it feels like coming home. Since I have left, I have always felt a lot of appreciation and love from friends I have made in Glasgow and around the club and now that I am back it is nice to say the least.

“I know second is no option, I know what people are going to say very quickly if