Philippe Clement saw the transfer window shut knowing that he still had a couple of problem positions to fill but the Rangers boss has seen one of them improved.
With the news that Ianis Hagi is back in first team training, the right-wing depth has bumped up again after the late departure of Scott Wright saw the numbers decrease.
The manager is glad to have someone as talented and with so much experience back in his squad and the Ibrox faithful will be happy that a big wage isn’t being wasted every week and that a difference maker is available once again.
- READ MORE: Rangers Net Transfer Spend Summer 2024
Philippe Clement explains Ianis Hagi return for Rangers
Speaking ahead of the Europa League tie with Lyon – Hagi isn’t in the Europa League squad – Clement has given his first thoughts on the saga of the summer:
“That it was a contract issue from before my time so the issue is solved. Both parties, the club and Hagi, came together and now it is resolved.
“It’s normal he is back in the squad training and it’s getting him back to his best level, that’s the job to do.
“Yes it’s not an option yet, there is a way to go. The more players you can have to make a difference the better as a gaffer. Clearly I am happy this situation that I didn’t like to have is resolved.
“He has behaved all the time well, our contact was good all the time. There was never a problem between us, we met a lot in the building. He did everything you’d expect from a professional player. In those situations it is not always the case but he has been an example in that way for sure.
When asked if Hagi was available straight away, the Gers boss said:
“It doesn’t work that way, he has trained one time. He trained all the time with second team and the games to keep his fitness high as possible. We will see the next days and weeks how that is. It’s about fighting for the places in the squad and the team.”
Hagi’s return to the squad is perfect timing
Hagi might “only” have been playing for the B team, however, he shouldn’t be far away in terms of readiness.
He has been on international duty and, as Clement says, has maintained a professional attitude throughout the stand-off.
The B team fixture list isn’t a consistent one, even if the 25-year old playmaker played 90-minutes the last time that they had a game, he will need to gradually build himself up again.
His return couldn’t come at a better time with both Oscar Cortes and Rabbi Matondo out injured and Tom Lawrence in need of a rest.
Clement always seemed to be taking the pressure as the man responsible for Hagi not being available, claiming it was because he didn’t see a future for the mercurial attacker in his team.
Instead, the reported £6,000 per week clause looks to have been the stumbling block and that he was protecting the player.
Once he is back, hopefully Hagi can hit the ground running and score the sort of goals that the Welshman has in recent weeks too.
