Nigeria international defender, Leon Balogun has explained that he was forced to depart Brighton & Hove on loan in the January transfer window because he was frustrated by a lack of first team opportunities.
The Super Eagles defender made two appearances for the Seagulls in Cup competitions prior to his loan switch to Wigan Athletic and was surprisingly hauled off at half-time in the 1-0 loss to Sheffield Wednesday in January.
Balogun revealed that he saw the handwriting on the wall that he was surplus to requirements after returning to Brighton following his participation in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations but chose to remain at the club.
“I came back from the AFCON ten days prior to the start of the Premier League, I went back to Brighton first, ” Balogun said.
“I came back full of hope because we had a new manager, I didn’t expect to start but again I thought if I get my chance I’d show the new manager what I’m about. It turned out to be completely different.
“Looking back now there were some pretty clear signs that I would not really be given a chance.”
The central defender continued : “Before the summer transfer window ended in England, I tried to leave on loan but the right teams were not coming along to be honest.
“Wigan were asking and another team but I said I want to make it at Brighton because I feel very special in this place, I like the team, the group is super amazing but it just won’t work.
“There were moments I could have been granted a chance to the point I was substituted at half-time in a Cup game. Until today I don’t know the reason, tactical it was said, but it seemed different to me.
“I had to make up my mind what I’m going to do because my contract is expiring at the end of the season and Wigan were among the teams asking for a loan move.”
Balogun has been enjoying a new lease of life since joining the Latics, helping the club remain undefeated in six consecutive matches and they kept four clean sheets in their last four matches before the Championship was halted.
Packaged by Lanre Olabisi
