A transfer saga that had rumbled on for some time, has finally reached a conclusion. On Wednesday afternoon, Rangers confirmed the capture of Jake Hastie.
The 21-year-old winger joins on a four-year contract from SPL rivals Motherwell.
✍️#RangersFC are delighted to announce the signing of Jake Hastie (@Jakehastie99) on a four-year-deal.
📲 https://t.co/qlM8p88zcw pic.twitter.com/VcxQsUUslD
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) May 1, 2019
Steven Gerrard has got his man and he joins Jordan Jones as a second Ibrox-bound winger.
In statements following the club announcement, both the manager and Director of Football expressed their delight at the move.
“He is a talented young player who has performed well for Motherwell in the second half of this season,” said Gerrard, as quoted by the Rangers Twitter. We are always looking to add individuals to our group of players who will improve us and Jake will undoubtedly do that.”
Mark Allen added: “We are delighted to add such a talented and young Scottish player to our team for next season. We are committed to improving the strength of our squad and this is part of that process.”
Director of Football Mark Allen on @Jakehastie99: "We are delighted to add such a talented and young @ScottishFA player to our team for next season. We are committed to improving the strength of our squad and this is part of that process."
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) May 1, 2019
From obscurity to Ibrox
The completion of this transfer caps a rapid rise to prominence for the 21-year-old.
Last season, he was turning out in League One during a loan spell at Airdrie. Furthermore, he only made his first SPL start in January.
Yet, six goals and a host of impressive performances since then was clearly enough to convince Rangers to pounce.
The powerful young prospect will be a Ger next season. (photo by David Young/Action Plus via Getty Images)
Plenty of Bears were delighted if not surprised by the signing. Here’s a selection of reactions to the official announcement:
https://twitter.com/Pena_Cartel/status/1123619648707203073
https://twitter.com/nickyt3232/status/1123619987648851968
Welcome to the famous 🔴⚪️🔵 pic.twitter.com/Y6CPIzct8y
— Four Lads Had a Dream (@4ladshadadream) May 1, 2019
Welcome aboard…excited for you 💙
— Gayle Hulme (@QueenAB1533) May 1, 2019
https://twitter.com/CommanderBjork2/status/1123619535670718465
Welcome to the most successful club in the world wee man 💙
— speedy (@peakyblinders91) May 1, 2019
https://twitter.com/sjs1872/status/1123619630323572736