Philippe Clement’s recent comments about ridding Rangers of the injury curse that has long haunted the club were ambitious, yet they highlighted the enormous task he faces in restoring the squad’s health and consistency. When he made those remarks, he perhaps unknowingly set a high bar for himself and his players, making it clear that the current situation—where injuries have been a recurring issue—is something that he is determined to address. However, as much as he may want to eliminate these injury problems, the reality is that the squad remains plagued by players who are injury-prone, and even though some of these players have been moved on or given reduced roles, Clement still faces significant work in getting to a place where the team can field a fully fit squad on a regular basis. One player who seems to be on the way out, at least in terms of his role in the starting XI, is Leon Balogun, who may well be seen very little for the remainder of the season.
Balogun, who turns 37 in the summer, has been a solid and experienced presence in the Rangers defense over the years, but his age has begun to show, and his role in the squad this season has raised concerns. Despite his age, he has already made 19 appearances in this campaign, which is a high number for a player who should primarily be serving as a backup or emergency option at this stage of his career. The fact that he has found himself so involved, particularly keeping a younger and arguably more talented player like Robin Propper out of the starting lineup for a time, speaks volumes about the limitations of Rangers’ summer recruitment and the lack of depth in central defense. It’s becoming increasingly apparent that Balogun’s role should have been limited to an occasional substitute appearance or a “break glass in case of emergency” player, yet due to circumstances, he has been called upon much more than anticipated.
His situation also highlights the wider issues that have plagued Rangers’ defensive recruitment in recent seasons. When Balogun is playing regularly, it suggests a gap in the squad that should have been addressed with younger and more capable defensive reinforcements. Instead, Rangers’ attempts to bolster their defense in the summer window fell short, leaving them in a position where a player who should be nearing the end of his career was expected to play a regular part in the team’s defense. That he has had to step in so frequently, particularly in a season where Rangers had hoped to mount a more serious challenge for the title, speaks to the vulnerability of their squad and the failure to properly address the aging elements of the squad during the transfer market.
Looking at Balogun’s situation in the broader context of the season, the failure to secure defensive reinforcements has ultimately led to a reliance on older players who may not be up to the physical demands of the modern game. It is not just Balogun who has been called upon more than expected; there have been others, too, who have had to play more minutes than they should, considering their age and injury history. Rangers have suffered for not reinforcing key positions when they had the chance, and the situation with Balogun is just one example of how the squad has been stretched.
For Clement, with the Scottish Premiership title now all but out of reach barring a miraculous turn of events, the focus for the remainder of the season must shift towards long-term planning. While it would be understandable to want to finish the campaign on a strong note, the reality is that this season is essentially a write-off in terms of league success. With the pressure of winning the league removed, Clement has an opportunity to focus on the future and build for the next campaign. This should involve integrating younger players into the team, allowing them to get valuable minutes in competitive matches, and giving them the experience they need to be the future of the club.
In particular, the central defense is an area where Clement can look to rotate and experiment with younger options. Propper, who has shown flashes of promise, should be given the opportunity to develop alongside players like John Souttar, who should be gradually reintegrated into the team once he is fully fit. This, combined with the young defenders already in the squad, could form the backbone of Rangers’ defense going forward. Clement has a clear chance to phase out aging players like Balogun and focus on integrating a younger, fresher defensive unit that can carry the team for years to come. While Balogun’s experience and leadership are undeniable, it’s time for Rangers to move towards a more sustainable and youthful squad, especially in a season where the title has slipped beyond their grasp.
The role of Balogun should now be reserved for emergency situations, if at all. He should no longer be relied upon as a regular starter, especially considering the physical demands of modern football and his age. It would be a more logical move to give opportunities to younger defenders, even if that means taking a few risks in matches where results are less crucial. Balogun’s remaining appearances should be limited to perhaps a few cameos or, if needed, an emotional farewell at the end of the season, marking the conclusion of his time at Rangers in a manner that honors his contributions without overexposing him to the rigors of top-flight football.
In his comments following Rangers’ match against Manchester United at Old Trafford, Clement expressed both pride and frustration in equal measure. Despite missing several key players through injury, he was proud of his team’s effort and the mentality they showed in the face of adversity. Rangers were missing eight first-team players who could have started, and this handicap left them with little room for flexibility. Clement was forced into making tactical changes, including shifting players out of position, but he lauded the players for sticking to the game plan and giving their all for the club. In the short term, the manager can take solace in these performances, knowing that his squad is mentally committed and willing to put in the work despite the challenges they face. However, as he looks to the future, Clement will need to continue making tough decisions to ensure that the squad is capable of competing at the highest level once again.
Looking ahead, it is clear that the current state of affairs cannot continue for Rangers. With the title all but decided and the club facing significant injury problems, Clement must shift the team’s focus to the future. This means giving young players more opportunities, making bold decisions about aging squad members, and ensuring that the team’s long-term goals are prioritized over short-term fixes. For Balogun, that likely means playing only in emergencies, if at all. It’s time for Clement to phase him out and look toward a younger, more dynamic defense that can take Rangers forward, rather than relying on aging players who may have been excellent servants but are no longer the future of the club. The next few months should be used to build a foundation for a stronger, healthier, and more sustainable Rangers team for the seasons ahead.