Philippe Clement continues to insist he’ll give none of Rangers transfer plans away as he’s quizzed on the situation with Alaves loanee Ianis Hagi.
New Sunderland manager Michael Beale banished the Romanian playmaker to La Liga back in the summer after public complaints about a lack of playing time.
But there’s a sense Ianis Hagi has unfinished business at Ibrox following a devastating cruciate ligament injury at the start of 2022 and perhaps Philippe Clement can help him recognise it.
Rangers do have options in the attacking midfield area of the park however and now the Belgian boss has been responding to questions over the 25-year-old playmaker’s future.
Philippe Clement talks Ianis Hagi
Philippe Clement has been clear since day one of taking the Rangers job that he won’t be giving a transfer inch and the situation with Ianis Hagi has changed nothing.
In quotes attributed to Romanian outlet Fanatik, the ex-Club Brugge and AS Monaco manager refused to give anything away, even if he claims the decision isn’t his and his alone.
The quotes come after leading Rangers insiders Heart & Hand claimed Ianis Hagi’s Alaves loan deal did include a recall option in January.
“At Ianis Hagi, it’s not only my decision, but also the club’s,” said Philippe Clement.
“There are things that I share only in discussions with the player, not with the press. Excuse me, but it’s not my style to talk in public about transfers, rumors and other collateral matters.
“Do not mind! I understand your skill and curiosity, but these are details we only discuss inside the club. I don’t like to debate point issues when it comes to my players. We will see what happens, because this is not just a decision of mine, but also of the club.”
Playmaker never reached consistent best at Rangers
This certainly doesn’t sound like Ianis Hagi is nailed on to be at Alaves when the window closes at the end of January.
Ibrox fans reading these comments might begin to get excited about the prospective return of the ex-Fiorentina and KRC Genk playmaker but it’s clear nothing has been decided.
Since leaving Ibrox, Gers supporters have seen the midfielder named amongst the most creative in Europe and also fire Romania to Euro 2024.
A big game player who never quite found enough consistency at Ibrox between the Covid shutdown and injury, Rangers saw flashes of Hagi’s best but never on a frequent basis.
Should Philippe Clement be the man to bring Ianis Hagi back in the Rangers squad, the Belgian will be tasked with helping this mercurial young talent to reach the sorts of levels he’s capable of.
Initially joining Rangers on loan from Genk in the January of 2020, Ianis Hagi has played 99 times for the Ibrox side, scoring 16 goals and laying on 21 assists.
