Rangers are clearing the decks across the board as the club sets about the sort of restructure that should have happened years ago.
It would appear that the manager is safe for now though with Philippe Clement having to work with the squad that was left when the transfer window closed.
Every player has their price, especially the top earners and those approaching the ends of their contracts with Ianis Hagi the subject of speculation linking him with a move away from Rangers once again.
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Galatasaray manager confirms interest in signing Ianis Hagi
The 26-year old has been a favourite of the Ibrox faithful since returning to action earlier this season with The Sun reporting that Galatasary boss Okan Buruk has openly admitted an admiration for the Light Blues’ playmaker:
“During a previous transfer window, we were interested in him. He is a very good player,” praised Buruk.
“Unfortunately, he was injured in the past. But now, he is OK.
“I know he’s playing well at Rangers now.
“I remember him when he was a child here at Galatasaray. He used to be everywhere. He was sitting and watching the training.
“In the last two years, I have always followed Ianis. Now he is in good shape.
“He is a good footballer, with potential. I repeat, we were interested in him during a transfer period, but he plays for another team just now.
“Who knows? Maybe one day he’ll play for Galatasaray.” Although he might struggle to reach the same legendary status of his dad.
How does Hagi compare to other Rangers playmakers?
With eight goal contributions in 15 league games – three goals and five assists – Hagi has been a key figure for Philippe Clement since resolving the contract issue that seemed certain to end his time in Glasgow.
Drifting between the No.10 position and out on the left wing, the 44-cap forward’s ability to cut inside onto his right foot or chop back onto his left makes his lack of electric pace almost redundant.
It also means that he can create chances off either foot too, as seen by him using both feet in dead ball situations.
Using Data MB’s comparison tool, Hagi stands out against his peers at Rangers too.
Nedim Bajrami is a concern at nearly £3.5m and Tom Lawrence, goals aside, offers very little in open play.
As for the man he replaced as creator in chief, Todd Cantwell, Hagi – a £3m signing in 2020 – is a more influential passer, has a higher expected goals and assists number, gets involved in more attacking phases of play and dribbles than the former Rangers No.13.
Hagi’s contract is up in the summer and losing such a key figure for nothing would be a painful one to take on the pitch, and on the profit and loss sheets.
