Rangers: Joshua Barrie ‘surprised’ as new Leon Balogun contract floated at Ibrox.

Joshua Barrie has expressed that he would be shocked if Leon Balogun was granted a new contract at Rangers, despite his good performances under Philippe Clement.

The Rangers Review journalist underlined that he doesn’t anticipate the team to embark into next season with the same four alternatives at centre-back.

This has come with the announcement that John Lundstram is expected to sign a new term at Ibrox, with his present deal also set to expire at the conclusion of this season.

Speaking to The Rangers Review [22 February], Barrie shared: “He’s been really good, and he was Clement’s first-choice centre-half next to Connor Goldson up until he got that injury.

“I would be inclined not to keep him because I think his game relies on a lot of physicality. I could understand the rationale behind handing him another year’s deal, but it is a position Rangers should want to have a bit of change.

“I’d be very surprised if Rangers go into next season with the same four centre-backs.”

Will Leon Balogun sign a new deal at Rangers?

While there is no clue as to what the club are considering in terms of a new contract offer, the age and profile of Balogun are no longer in line with the type of agreement Rangers are attempting to pull off.

The appointment of Nils Koppen as the director of football saw a turnaround in transfer strategy which resulted in the additions of the likes of Mohamed Diomande – whom Koppen personally praised – and Oscar Cortes.

A emphasis on younger players with the potential to flourish and be sold for a profit in the future means the likes of 35-year-old Balogun might be considered surplus to requirements at Ibrox.

However, with Clement having used the Nigerian frequently in his starting XI this season, the boss may yet prefer to remain with what he has this summer.

Chris Jack earlier hinted that all three of Balogun, Leon King and Ben Davies might depart Ibrox at the conclusion of the season, in a bid to recoup some monies and reinvest in the position, with all of them seemingly on the chopping block.

In other Rangers news, Barry Ferguson has made a fresh Fabio Silva demand.

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