Latest news with #LeonBalogun
The Herald Scotland
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Herald Scotland
Dessers reveals the 'best moment' of his 'painful' season
Dessers was the top scorer in the Premiership this term and won a surprise call-up for the Super Eagles again. Read more: He celebrated by scoring last week in a friendly against Ghana in London. And he's looked back on his season with a mixture of emotions. Dessers said: "I think it is painful at Rangers when you miss out on a big trophy. "But overall, I personally had some good moments, stayed fit and to get called up again by Nigeria was one of the best moments of my season. "I am very happy for myself to be here." But Dessers admitted he was disappointed former international teammate Leon Balogun was released by the Ibrox club. He said: "Of course I speak with Leon Balogun a lot, even now, we still text. "The form he showed at Rangers this season - at a high level like the Europa League for example - was very good. "I think he still hopes to be part of the Nigeria team moving forward and I hope he will be."
The National
3 days ago
- Sport
- The National
Dessers reveals the 'best moment' of his 'painful' season
But the Nigerian international believes winning an international recall because of his goals for the Ibrox club helped soften the blow. Dessers was the top scorer in the Premiership this term and won a surprise call-up for the Super Eagles again. Read more: He celebrated by scoring last week in a friendly against Ghana in London. And he's looked back on his season with a mixture of emotions. Dessers said: "I think it is painful at Rangers when you miss out on a big trophy. "But overall, I personally had some good moments, stayed fit and to get called up again by Nigeria was one of the best moments of my season. "I am very happy for myself to be here." But Dessers admitted he was disappointed former international teammate Leon Balogun was released by the Ibrox club. He said: "Of course I speak with Leon Balogun a lot, even now, we still text. "The form he showed at Rangers this season - at a high level like the Europa League for example - was very good. "I think he still hopes to be part of the Nigeria team moving forward and I hope he will be."
Scottish Sun
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Rangers confirm departure of Ianis Hagi and TWO other top team stars as THREE other Gers heroes exit after loan spells
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) RANGERS have confirmed that three top team stars are leaving this summer after the expiry of their contracts - with another three going back to their parent clubs after loan spells. With the US takeover of Rangers close to completion, a new sporting director in place and a new boss on the brink of being appointed, it's a time of massive change at Ibrox. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Ibrox Stadium Credit: Kenny Ramsay One of those men is Leon Balogun, who essentially confirmed his own departure in a lengthy post today. Balogun bemoaned the fact he doesn't think he got the chance to say a proper goodbey, saying: "Unfortunately I wasn't afforded that opportunity which saddens me as I would have liked to have walked round Ibrox one last time and returned all the love and support you've given me during my 2 stints." And Rangers have just confirmed that he's being joined by Ianis Hagi, who was also deprived the chance to say goodbye when an injury sustained in Old Firm action saw him miss the last two games of the season. Another unsurprising departure is veteran Welsh playmaker Tom Lawrence, who also departs the club under freedom of contract. One man who many Gers fans would love to keep is Vaclav Cerny, but the quickfire Czech winger is returning to Wolfsburg at the end of his loan. Cerny became a huge hero among Gers fans when he sprayed Celtic supporters with water as he celebrated a late winner from So too is the luckless Neraysho Kasanwijo, who sustained a serious injury when returning home to play for the Netherlands Under-21 side and never essentially recovered. Then there's defender Rafael Fernandes, who barely featured after his January arrival on-loan from Lille. The Portuguese defender returns to France this summer - where he still has three years of his deal to see out. Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
BBC News
20-05-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
'Ferguson & Balogun exits hopefully herald sweeping change'
If ever a 90 minutes summed up our season, the 2-2 draw with Hibs was well, referee Nick Walsh does Nick Walsh things. Then we go ahead again, switch off, concede, and miss a few good chances.I'm glad the season is over and glad to see the club backing John Brown, external as well over his strong criticism on Rangers TV of refereeing standards. It's about time the club stood up for Ferguson is leaving and so too is Leon Balogun. Hopefully it's the start of a sweeping change at the season will be consigned to the bin very quickly. We will learn nothing analysing it or going over the wrongdoings of managers and board members along the just be thankful it's over and hopefully we have more positive times just around the is a lot of work to be done for whoever the new manager will be. There should be a massive turnover of staff but the one thing I am hoping for as a fan is a transfer strategy that builds a spine of the team that can handle the pressure and intensity of being a Rangers see what the summer brings.
STV News
20-05-2025
- Sport
- STV News
Leon Balogun reveals Rangers exit in emotional social media post
Rangers defender Leon Balogun has revealed his time at the club is over in an emotional goodbye posted on social media. The 36-year-old made 30 appearances for the Ibrox side across all competitions during a turbulent campaign that ended at the weekend. He helped them reach the quarter-finals of the Europa League and League Cup final, but they trailed Celtic all season, eventually finishing 17 points behind in the Premiership, and were knocked out of the Scottish Cup by Queen's Park. Balogun has made over 100 appearances across two spells at Rangers and as he confirmed his departure on Tuesday, he said it has been 'a pleasure, an honour and a great privilege' to represent the club. In a statement released to his X account, he paid tribute to the supporters, vowed not to be a 'stranger', and revealed his disappointment at not being afforded the opportunity to say goodbye in person. He said: 'It's that time again. 'No caption could summarise all that is going through my mind as I'm writing these lines. It's been nothing short of an honour, a pleasure and a great, great privilege to represent this massive club – twice! 'So many memories, good ones as well as a few tough ones. 'But it's the latter especially that made my love for the club grow even stronger. The moments when we all stuck together and went again – no matter the disappointment or frustration. 'In these moments the club revealed what makes it most special: YOU. 'The people supporting us week in week out, near and far, demanding, expecting, pushing us to do better and go for glory. The people working for the club behind the scenes, meeting us with a smile everyday, doing their absolute best to contribute to the success of the club in their own way. You're the heartbeat of the club and it's been an honour to represent you! 'If I would have known that the last two games of the season were my last for the club I would have made sure to say goodbye to all of you accordingly. 'Unfortunately, I wasn't afforded that opportunity, which saddens me as I would have liked to have walked round Ibrox one last time and returned all the love and support you've given me during my 2 stints. 'I don't know when I'll be back, but I promise I won't be a stranger. 'Thank you for making me feel at home and appreciated wherever we met. 'You've become more than just my club, you've become family. 'And for that I will be forever grateful. 'All the best my people.' The German-born Nigeria international initially signed for Rangers in 2020 and helped the club to a Premiership title, Scottish Cup and Europa League final before departing for QPR in 2022. He returned to Ibrox a year later and was part of the side that won the League Cup under Philippe Clement in 2023. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
