Super Eagles defender Leon Balogun has sealed a transfer to English Championship side Queens Park Rangers (QPR) to reunite with former Rangers assistant coach Michael Beale.
Balogun had a successful two-year stay at Rangers, helping the Gers win the Scottish Premiership and the Scottish Cup.
However, the 34-year-old Super Eagles center-back left the club as a free agent in June after they refused to extend his contract.
“It is a big relief to know I can get back to action and I am looking forward to it,” Balogun said after the deal was confirmed.
“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.”
After Rangers released Balogun, former Rangers assistant coach, who now holds the reins at QPR Michael Beale praised the Super Eagles star for his qualities.
“Leon Balogun was outstanding for Rangers FC – both on the pitch but also around the changing room. He is a “personality” leader who gives his teammates so much positivity and guidance on a daily basis. Take a bow,” he tweeted.
Balogun’s arrival gives the R’s numbers and stealth at the heart of the defense.
However, the 34-year-old would look to get into match fitness quick enough, as he has not played a game since May. Nevertheless, he could slot in quickly, as QPR desperately need to pluck their leaky defense that has conceded seven goals in five games this season.
Balogun has made a return to England, having previously worn the colours of Brighton & Hove in the Premier League and Wigan Athletic in the Championship.
Apart from the aforementioned teams, he has also turned out for German clubs Türkiyemspor Berlin, Hannover 96, Werder Bremen, Fortuna Düsseldorf, Darmstadt 98 and Mainz 05 in his senior career.
