Returning Rangers playmaker Ianis Hagi could be in line for a League Cup Final start against Celtic and is going nowhere amid links to Turkish giants Galatasaray.
At least that’s according to an excited Ibrox boss in Michael Beale, who was delighted to welcome the 24-year-old Romanian midfielder back into his squad for the 2-0 victory over St Johnstone.
Hagi, who has spent the last year on the sidelines with a cruciate ligament injury sustained in last season’s 4-0 Scottish Cup win over Stirling Albion, made an emotional return to the Ibrox first-team in the win over the Saints.
It’s the first time the player has kicked a professional ball since January 22nd 2022 and it marks an important juncture in Hagi’s recovery from what is a serious knee problem.
Playing 20 minutes in the Scottish Premiership victory, there are plenty now wondering when the player will be fit enough to play from the start and potentially get through 90 minutes for the Ibrox side.
Ianis Hagi to be in competition for Celtic starting berth
Rangers believe Ianis Hagi, who has been an influential player at Ibrox ever since initially signing on loan from RC Genk in 2020, will be be competing for starting berth in the League Cup Final clash v Celtic at the end of February.
At least that’s what Michael Beale told a local Romanian reporter following Hagi’s triumphant return to the pitch against St Johnstone.
“Today was about getting Ianis back out there in front of the crowd,” said Michael Beale [Rangers].
“He looks in a good place. After being out for a year and the type of injury he has let’s see how he settles.
“But by the end of the month I think he’ll be wanting to start in a cup final, not watch one.”
Ianis Hagi Galatasaray links rubbished
After dropping a hint about the League Cup Final v Celtic, Michael Beale also extinguished reports linking Ianis Hagi with a move to Galatasaray.
This comes with Ianis Hagi’s father Gheorghe being a legend in Istanbul and the player himself previously claiming that one day he wants to play for the club.
“I know that [Galatasaray] is close to his heart because I believe he was born there and obviously his dad played there,” said Michael Beale.
“But Ianis Hagi is going to play his football for Rangers for a few more years yet, so I can dispel that rumour.”
Meanwhile, as Rangers look at potential new contracts, the Joe Aribo situation at Southampton can serve as a warning to hesitant players.
