Rangers closed the transfer window still short in a few positions with Philippe Clement having to deal with more than a rebuild.
The manager had to deal with Todd Cantwell downing tools and training away from the squad in what was a strained end to his time at Ibrox.
Ianis Hagi resolved his contract situation with Rangers and made an immediate impact on the return to the team only to then be red carded after a tired looking challenge.
Ianis Hagi to leave Rangers for good
Speculation was rife throughout the summer that the playmaker was on his way out of Rangers and former Romania manager Dumitru Dumitriu has told Golazo that this should still be Hagi’s plan.
When asked what decision Hagi should make, he said:
“I think he will get what he deserves in the end. He’s a good player, a footballer who can play for several teams in Europe, so he doesn’t have to stay there. My belief is that he has to leave, but not on loan. To go for good, to be bought and used.
“When a club buys you, it shows that they trust you. And Ianis needs that. He is a talented player who gives himself, passes well with both feet, shoots hard. He has many qualities, he is a top footballer. But he had this bad luck with the injury. Now let’s not think that they should quit. No way.”
Is Hagi available for Rangers next game?
After being sent off against St Johnstone, Hagi was given a two-game ban which means he is missing three games in total.
The £3m signing wasn’t part of Rangers Europa League squad plans either which is why he played 90 minutes in the less glamourous surroundings of Forthbank Stadium against Stenhousemuir.
A goal with his left foot direct from a corner – remember, his Braga free-kick was with his right – highlighted again just how important an asset Ianis Hagi could be for Clement.
Unfortunately, he has one more game to sit out before, likely, returning to face Aberdeen at Pittodrie, a team he has never lost to in eight games, on a ground where he scored on his last visit.
He couldn’t, could he?
