Rangers’ latest signing, Cyriel Dessers, owes a debt of gratitude to his Nigeria teammate and fellow defender, Leon Balogun, for his crucial involvement in sealing the deal that brought Dessers to Ibrox this summer. Following his return from a spell at QPR, Balogun’s presence at the Scottish Premiership club played a significant role in persuading Dessers to join the exciting footballing journey at Rangers.
Balogun humorously recounted the unique circumstances that led to the deal taking shape. He revealed, “The funny thing is that the same night my agent texted me [to tell me about Rangers’ interest], I actually text the manager to say congratulations on signing Cyriel.” The camaraderie between Balogun and Rangers’ manager fostered an atmosphere of ease and trust, setting the stage for what was to come.
In the exchange with his compatriot, Balogun candidly shared his experiences at the club, highlighting the warmth and passion of the fans and the high expectations that come with playing for such a prestigious club. “I told him they expect a lot, especially the supporters, but that just comes with the size of the club,” Balogun revealed. It was evident that Balogun’s time at Ibrox had been marked by personal growth and success, making him an enthusiastic advocate for the team.
“I thought I had an idea when I came first time, but everyone said you’ll only understand how big it is once you get here. That’s what I told Cyriel too,” Balogun emphasized. He urged Dessers to fully embrace the opportunity and assured him that the manager, Michael Beale, would be instrumental in his development. The defender’s conviction that the club would be an excellent fit for Dessers resonated with the young striker.
Rangers’ manager, Michael Beale, has been instrumental in securing new signings for the team, including Dessers. However, Balogun’s involvement proved crucial in providing the gentle nudge Dessers needed to make the life-changing decision. With his experience at the club and the genuine support of a trusted teammate, Dessers felt more assured about taking on the challenges that lay ahead.
For Dessers, the road to success at Ibrox might not be without its hurdles. Adapting to Scottish football has historically presented challenges for newcomers. Yet, the return of Balogun to the club is undoubtedly a significant boost for Dessers. Balogun’s heroics during his previous spell at Ibrox have earned him a special place in the hearts of Rangers’ fans, and now, he is eager to combine forces with Dessers in their quest for silverware.
The passion of the Scottish side’s supporters is legendary, and their fervent backing is sure to spur both Balogun and Dessers to perform at their best from the very first whistle. With the support of loyal fans and the camaraderie between the two Nigerian teammates, the duo is poised to create a formidable force on the field, bringing new energy and excitement to Rangers’ faithful.
The tale of Leon Balogun’s instrumental role in bringing Cyriel Dessers to Rangers exemplifies the spirit of teamwork and camaraderie that lies at the heart of football. As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on the Nigerian duo, eager to witness the impact they make on the pitch and the glory they bring to Ibrox.