We were very intrigued by Rangers manager Philippe Clement’s very different takes on John Lundstram compared with Leon Balogun and it makes us question the manager’s thinking and motivation a bit.
With Lunny’s deal expiring in a few weeks, Rangers have worked hard (and failed) to make him extend, with offers the past few months seeing a rejection from the midfielder.
But with Balogun?
“Leon is somebody who showed every day the right mentality, the right passion for the club. So that can be something that is on the table at the end of the season.”
So, with Lundstram the manager and board have been working like dogs to secure a player whose performances have deteriorated notably the past three months, while Balogun, who couldn’t want Rangers more and would play for free, has to wait longer and just hope there will be an offer of an extension?
He went on, doubling down on this:
“But it is the end of the season that we can make a really good evaluation about everything and everybody. It is going to be a very interesting period in that way for us to make the right decisions for next season also.”
So Balogun is among those who have to prove themselves for next season, despite leaving it all out on the pitch whenever he plays, but Lunny, having played within himself for ages, got a contract offer months ago and was high priority?
The approach here is telling:
Clement sounds like Lunny is just more important than Balogun (and others) and adds to the idea that the Nigerian must earn a new deal compared with Lunny who the club was on its knees begging to stay.
A bit unfair, and certainly lacking in equal treatment based on commitment.
Balogun seems to regularly be treated rather poorly by Rangers, as a low-class citizen, but then Rangers have history for showing low loyalty and conduct towards the players who want to be at the club most. Isn’t that right Lee Wallace?
Balogun has earned a new deal, and Clement holding back on that for now is a little unfair on the defender.
But then, welcome to Rangers these days we suppose.