Reports linking Rangers playmaker Ianis Hagi with a move to the Bundesliga have gone a little quiet of late. And there may be a very good reason for that.
Borussia Monchengladbach had reportedly identified the Romania international as a key target heading into the transfer window.
But, according to the Rheinische Post, focus at Borussia Park has since turned to a man slightly closer to home.
Moritz-Broni Kwarteng has ten goals and three assists for FC Magdeburg in the German second tier this season. What’s more, he does much of his best work in the same sort of areas as Hagi in Rangers’ royal blue. Drifting wide out to the right and into the centre. Locating pockets of space. Providing a link between midfield and attack.
Kwarteng remains unproven in the Bundesliga but his excellent track record in the second tier suggests that a promotion would be well-deserved. RP add that the 25-year-old is likely to replace departing captain Lars Stindl if he does swap Magdeburg for Monchengladbach.
Is Ianis Hagi staying at Rangers this summer?
As for Hagi, any interest in him is likely to be tempered by the fact the Romania international has barely kicked a ball in anger this term following a year out of action with a knee injury. Hagi has played just 44 minutes of Premiership football under Mick Beale.
A move to one of Europe’s major leagues can wait. For now, surely the 24-year-old is better served staying put and rediscovering his rhythm. And, under Beale, a fully fit Hagi can thrive when fielded in the sort of advanced, attacking midfield position in which Chris Willock and Ilias Chair shone south of the border at Queens Park Rangers.
The £4 million signing from Genk is likely to come in very handy, too. Especially if Malik Tillman returns to Bayern Munich on the back of an excellent loan spell at Ibrox.
