---
title: "Glasgow Rangers: Hutton fears for Helander’s starting XI spot"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/glasgow-rangers-balogun-replace-helander/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "jonathan radcliffe"
section: "Features"
published: "2020-08-20T18:10:28Z"
modified: "2020-08-20T18:10:28Z"
---

# Glasgow Rangers: Hutton fears for Helander’s starting XI spot

**Alan Hutton believes that Filip Helander will lose his space in Glasgow Rangers’ starting XI as soon as Leon Balogun is fit and ready.**

The Nigeria international recently joined the club on a [free transfer](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/leon-balogun/profil/spieler/56100), and excelled as he was thrown straight into the team – the Gers kept clean sheets in their [first two Premiership matches](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/leon-balogun/leistungsdaten/spieler/56100/plus/0?saison=2020) with him in the side. They didn’t concede in the first half of the third match either, but Balogun was unfortunately forced off at half-time in that game versus St. Johnstone.

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Helander has replaced him since then, but Hutton, a former Rangers defender himself, does not see a spot for him in the side in the long-term. He [told Football Insider](https://www.footballinsider247.com/hutton-exclusive-shaky-rangers-senior-player-facing-ibrox-axe/):

*“I mean it’s been difficult for Helander, he’s been out, in and out and stuff and it’s not been the most settled time for him.*

*“To come in again out the cold, obviously Balogun’s come in and I thought he did excellent, he’s fitted in seamlessly, he’s been a revelation for them.*

*“Him and Connor Goldson have come up with a great partnership so I think that’s going to be the partnership going forward. I think it’s difficult for a player, knowing that, so they have to come in and really impress.*

*“It was a little bit tough for him (v Livingston) a little bit harsh for him to try and stake a claim on one performance but he did look shaky, Livingston did have a couple of opportunities.*

*“Gerrard will know his main partnership and I think Balogun will come straight back in as soon as he’s ready.”*

Balogun was only really brought in following the [serious injury to Nikola Kati](https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/53305593#:~:text=Nikola%20Katic%3A%20Rangers%20defender%20out%20for%20'foreseeable%20future'%20with%20injury,-6%20Jul&text=Rangers%20defender%20Nikola%20Katic%20is,according%20to%20the%20Ibrox%20club.)c, but it has proved to be an inspired signing. So much so that Helander, who signed for [£3.5m](https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/sport/football/4471434/filip-helander-rangers-done-deal-transfer-news/) in July of last year, has struggled to even be considered for a spot in Steven Gerrard’s XI.

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It is hard to disagree with Hutton – given the impact Balogun has had in such a short amount of time, it is difficult to see Helander keeping him out of the side in the long term.

***Let us know what you think below!***