IT’S going to be a summer of big changes at Rangers.

And one long-serving star has confirmed he’s on his way OUT of the club this summer.

With the US takeover of Rangers close to completion, a new sporting director in place and a new manager on the brink of being appointed, it’s going to be all things change at Ibrox.

Alongside the off-field changes, there’s likely to be a significant amount of upheaval with regards to the playing squad as well.

Loan star Vaclav Cerny already appears to have said his goodbye while other players’ contracts are coming to an end.

One of those is veteran defender Leon Balogun.

A popular figure with players and fans alike, the Nigeria international will turn 37 next month.

He initially joined Rangers from Wigan in 2020 and went on to be a part of the side that won the Scottish Premiership title under Steven Gerrard in 2021.

Balogun’s deal expired in 2022 and there was considerable surprise that he wasn’t afforded a new one.

After a season with QPR, he returned to Rangers in July 2023 on a one-year contract.

Despite injury setbacks and his advancing years, Balogun continued to prove himself a consistent and reliable performer.

He earned another one-year contract but it looks like a third year will NOT be forthcoming.

Balogun – who stated his desire to stay at Rangers just last week – appears to have confirmed his exit in an emotional message.

The lengthy and frank post on social media also sees Balogun bemoan the fact he doesn’t believe he was afforded the opportunity to say a proper goodbye – going so far to say it SADDENS him.

The defender, who has declared himself a Rangers fan, vowed ‘not to be a stranger’ in the future.

On Instagram, Balogun said: “It’s that time again.

“No caption could summarise all that is going through my mind as I’m writing these lines.

“It’s been nothing short of an honour, a pleasure and a great, great privilege to represent this massive club – twice!

“So many memories, good ones as well as a few tough ones.

“But it’s the latter especially that made my love for the club grow even stronger.

“The moments when we all stuck together and went again – no matter the disappointment or frustration. In these moments the club revealed what makes it most special: YOU.

“The people supporting us week in week out, near and far, demanding, expecting, pushing us to do better and go for glory.

“The people working for the club behind the scenes, meeting us with a smile everyday, doing their absolute best to contribute to the success of the club in their own way. You’re the heartbeat of the club and it’s been an honour to represent you!

“If I would have known that the last two games of the season were my last for the club I would have made sure to say goodbye to all of you accordingly.

“Unfortunately I wasn’t afforded that opportunity which saddens me as I would have liked to have walked round Ibrox one last time and returned all the love and support you’ve given me during my 2 stints.

“I don’t know when I’ll be back, but I promise I won’t be a stranger.

“Thank you for making me feel at home and appreciated wherever we met.

“You’ve become more than just my club, you’ve become family.

“And for that I will be forever grateful.”

Rangers’ search for a new manager, meanwhile, is nearing a close.

SunSport exclusively revealed last night that Steven Gerrard and Russell Martin are the two candidates going head-to-head to become the next Light Blues boss.

Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page