Rangers biggest problem all summer has been moving players on who have been deemed surplus to requirements.
The manager can’t rebuild the squad properly until those who aren’t value for money or who aren’t contributing are sold and Philippa Clement has suffered a blow as the transfer deadline clock ticks down.
According to Sky Sports, Ianis Hagi has rejected the chance to return to Romania and taken his father’s advice not to join Rapid Bucharest.
Ianis Hagi rejects Rangers exit and Rapid Bucharest move
Hagi, signed for £3m wouldn’t have made a fortune, however, he is on big wages at Rangers and reported to have a contract clause that sees him earn a £6,000 per week pay rise if he plays another game.
That the playmaker has suggested he wants to stay and fight for his place at Ibrox has not really changed anything as he continues to play with the B team.
Speaking recently about having his hands tied, Philippe Clement explained how it has been a difficult summer:
“There are so many rumours about players,” said Clement.
“We had a talk several weeks ago that it’s important for the club to sell also players to get players.
“So I don’t know what’s going to happen the next two weeks in that way.”
When asked if Rangers need to move players on before adding others, Clement said: “Yes that’s the case.
“And some of them know it already a really long time and they’re still in the building so that makes things more difficult.
“But it is what it is. I cannot put a gun to their head to get them out of the building, that’s also not the idea.
“It’s not something I can control. So I don’t put any energy in that.
“All the energy is in the players who are here, the players who will be here, and to get the next result. All the energy is in that.”
Ianis Hagi would be a welcome return for Rangers
It’s not that Hagi isnt rated or isn’t a good enough player, but Clement knows that he could probably bring in 2-3 players for the money that he is on.
The Gers boss has spoken about this issue all summer and that it isn’t Rangers lack of funds to buy players that’s an issue, it’s having space on the wage bill.
It has been too high for too long and Rangers are right to do something about it, even if it is frustrating for the fans and manager alike.
If no other clubs come in for Hagi, there will be no hard feelings between the parties in terms of reintegrating him back in the senior squad.
His attitude and professionalism has been displayed by his willingness to play for the B team and helping to mentor the younger players.
Having would also be welcomed back by fans.
He’s not perfect, but he’s a winner and he’s a player who demands high standards and sets a good example.
With a point to prove, having him still at Rangers when the window shuts might not be the worst scenario.
