Turkish giants Galatasaray are reportedly preparing a January move for Rangers star Ianis Hagi in a deal which could be a dream come true for the Romanian international.
Hagi, 23, is an increasingly important player for the Ibrox side and has been a starter in both of new manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s games so far.
But links to the Ibrox exit door are never too far away for a player who bears the name of legendary father Gheorghe and has previously been linked with a £17m move for Serie A side AS Roma.
The links to Galatasaray originate from Turkey and outlet Sabah Spor who claim the Super Lig club have an eye on the attacking midfielder.
“Galatasaray will meet with Rangers for Ianis Hagi at halftime,” claims Sabah Spor.
“Hagi, who was born in Istanbul, can come to the city where he was born again during the half term.”
Ianis Hagi was born in Istanbul because father Gheorghe carved out a legendary spell with the Turkish club.
Rangers star Ianis Hagi supported Galatasaray as a boy through his father
Considered Romania’s greatest ever footballing export, Hagi Snr ended his playing days with Galatasaray after a legendary career which saw him turn out for both Real Madrid and Barcelona.
Gheorghe’s five years at Gala are the stuff of legend and the attacking midfielder led the club to four Turkish Super Lig titles, two Turkish Cups, a UEFA Cup and a UEFA Super Cup.
The links to Ianis then take on another dimension when you consider what the Romanian has previously had to say about Galatasaray and Istanbul.
Hagi has claimed that one day he wants to follow in his father’s footsteps and turn out for the Turks but it’s unclear when Ianis had such a move in mind.
“I am with a fabulous club (Rangers), the best place where I can be in right now,” said Ianis [Emanuel Rosu].
“The mentality and the aura of this club are huge.
“One day, I’d like to play for Galatasaray. It’s a club I love, I grew up with that club in my heart. I was born there. I don’t know what future holds, but I have feelings for that club!”
Ianis Hagi joined Rangers permanently in the summer of 2020 in a deal reportedly worth £3m after spending a successful period on loan before the Covid-19 pandemic took hold.
The ex-Fiorentina midfielder also claims that he turned down a club in La Liga to sign on at Rangers in the Scottish Premiership.