Leon Balogun looks set to join Aribo at Glasgow Rangers as his contract with Brighton ends

SUPER Eagles defender Leon Balogun is set to join compatriot Joe Aribo at Glasgow Rangers after the end of his loan spell with English Championship side Wigan Athletic which enabled him to move on a free transfer.

Balogun, 32m signed a two year contract with English Premier League side Brighton and Hove Albion (BHA) in 2018 but after falling down the pecking order, was sent out on loan to Wigan in January. While at Wigan, Balogun enjoyed a recovery in his form, becoming a mainstay of the team's defence, which in turn earned him a recall to the Super Eagles.

Yesterday, Balogun took to social media to wish his team mates at both BHA and Wigan goodbye, telling them it was a pleasure working with them. It is expected that his joining Rangers will be formalised and announced within the next week as manager Steven Gerard is keen on finalising the deal soon.

Balogun said: "As things have finally come to an end on this strange season, I’d like to say thank you to BHA and every soul involved for opening the door for me to Premier League football. I’ve felt at home from the first second of my time with the Seagulls, beating Man United at the Amex.

"Having you guys singing my very own chant, playing at Anfield and of course scoring against Palace in front of you are memories I’ll carry with me forever. Thank you for making my time in your beautiful city a time I will never forget."

While on loan at Wigan, known as the Latics, Balogun made 10 starts and one substitute appearance, making him a big hit with the fans. Despite the team putting together a brilliant run, however, Wigan was relegated because of a 12 point deduction punishment handed out to it by the Football Association.

Balogun added: " I also want to say thank you and goodbye to Paul Cook and his staff, the team and the whole Latics family. It’s been a very short and super intense time and I’m happy to have played my part in it.

"The togetherness, the honesty and warmth of the people in and around the club is simply amazing. I would have wished to end my spell with a different outcome but unfortunately that’s beyond our control  now."

Glasgow Rangers are due to kick off the new Scottish season on August 1 and with centreback Nikola Katic injured at the moment, Gerard needs cover at the back. Rangers are currently involved in playing a series of pre0-season friendlies, in which Aribo has been in scintillating form.