Balogun to be Brighton rock
BRIGHTON have snapped up Nigeria defender Leon Balogun on a free transfer.
The centre-back, 29, signed a two-year deal after leaving German top division side Mainz. Brighton boss Chris Hughton is hoping Balogun can help the Seagulls stay in the Premier League for a second successive season.
Hughton said: “I am delighted to welcome Leon to the club. He will add more depth to our defensive options, and I am pleased to get our first piece of business done so early in the summer.
“He is in the peak years of his career and I’m sure he’ll integrate well into the squad. He also has valuable experience having played in the Bundesliga, the Europa League and for Nigeria.”
Balogun said of joining the Premier League: “Ever since I started playing at a professional level a lot of team-mates told me it would fit my game and I’m happy it’s happened.”
The Berlin-born defender is eligible for Nigeria through his father and has won 14 caps. He was named in Nigeria’s provisional World Cup squad. ENGLAND’S Lucy Bronze has been crowned BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year.
The Olympique Lyonnais defender, right, pipped Lieke Martens of the Netherlands and Australia’s Sam Kerr for the global award.
Bronze, playing against Wolfsburg in the Champions League final tomorrow, said: “I really didn’t think I was going to win. It’s special.”