Ianis Hagi’s legendary father admits he hopes to see the Rangers playmaker follow in his footsteps with a move to Turkish Super Lig giants Galatasaray.
At this stage, good luck guessing where Ianis Hagi will be playing his football in 2023/24.
Will the £3 million signing from Genk be offered a fresh start at Rangers? Maybe, if Philippe Clement cannot be won over by Todd Cantwell – subbed off at half-time due to ‘tactical reasons’ in the Scottish League Cup semi-final – and if Sam Lammers cannot find some form on a consistent basis.
Rangers may opt to cash in instead, however, perhaps freeing up funds for a centre-forward or a centre-half. In addition to Cantwell and Lammers, Clement also has Tom Lawrence at his disposal after all.
Rangers must make Ianis Hagi decision soon
Hagi joined La Liga outfit Deportivo Alaves on loan last summer, in an attempt to play regular first-team football again following a lengthy absence due to a serious knee injury.
A difficult start to life in Spain renders a bid from Turkish giants Galatasaray unlikely at present, however, despite Gheorghe encouraging his 25-year-old son to follow in his gilded footsteps.
“It was (a source of) pride and an honour to represent such a great club,” the Romania legend, who won four Super Lig titles in Turkey, tells Galatasaray TV.
“We hope that the boy (Ianis Hagi) to take us back to Istanbul! (Galatasaray) is one of the big clubs in European football.”
Hagi missed a penalty during Alaves’ 1-0 victory over a hapless Almeria outfit last weekend. His best performance this season came for his country rather than his club, the Rangers-owned playmaker outstanding as Romania hammered Andorra in a European Championship qualifier in October.
Ibrox future uncertain for Alaves loanee
“I am very happy for the trio in the midfield. They have assumed the role of leaders. I mean Razvan Marin and (Nicolae) Stanciu, but especially Ianis Hagi, who, for me, was the man of the match,” Romania favourite Ilie Dumitrescu told DigiSport, Hagi showing what he is capable of with a goal and an assist in his favoured central role.
“He was put in the position where he gives the best performance. Behind the striker, between the lines.”
That, however, is a position where Rangers are particularly well-stocked at present.
