The Ianis Hagi saga is one that continues to rumble and there is little wonder after the Rangers forwards exploits on international duty.
Despite only playing for the B team, he was still picked for Romania and made a telling contribution off the bench, winning a penalty against Lithuania late in the game with the scores level at 1-1.
With performances inconsistent and results even worse, Philippe Clement will now be under even more pressure to restore Hagi to the first-team squad.
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Ianis Hagi branded too good not to play for Rangers
On the most basic of levels, Hagi’s attitude since returning from international duty deserves that respect.
Not only that, but the 25-year old is a player that Clement simply doesn’t have in his squad.
Former Romania international and club teammate of Gheorghe Hagi, Iosif Rotariu, reckons that Philippe Clement is making a huge mistake by not playing Hagi Jnr, as reported by the Glasgow Times:
“I watched Ianis during the international games there. I have never watched a player in my life who could dribble equally as well with his right or left foot.
“I know what’s happening with him at Rangers. He should be used by the Rangers manager, no question.
“He’s an exceptional player.”
Addressing Ianis Hagi’s position earlier in the season, the manager made it clear that Rangers were looking to sell the playmaker:
“No, I cannot say anything now because there is not really a development for the moment.
“We spoke about that months ago, really open and honest with his agent also that we don’t see him to become the next No10 for Rangers for the next couple of years and to look out for other opportunities.
“So that story stays the same and for sure, with (Nedim) Bajrami now in the building, you have this situation.”
Stubborn Clement has to back down in Hagi stand-off
A situation that seemed to be mutual originally now feels one-sided with the chances of Hagi being sold now almost zero.
After the departure of Scott Wright on deadline day and Rabbi Matondo injured for months rather than weeks, recalling a player who can play anywhere behind a striker makes a lot of sense.
As Rotariu says, Hagi is a talented and very technical player with an exemplary attitude.
Not picking him now only makes Clement’s job harder for himself and he is already operating with one hand tied behind his back.
Showing once again that his lack of pace is no barrier to causing opposition defences problems for Romania, seeing Hagi’s name in the squad to face Dundee United would be one less issue that Clement has to deal with.
