Report – Real Madrid plot shock seven-figure swoop for Rangers big name
Rangers loanee Ianis Hagi has emerged as a shock target for European supergiants Real Madrid, according to Spanish outlet Don Balon.
The 21-year-old joined the Gers from Genk on a temporary deal in January, with a £4.5 million option-to-buy clause reportedly written into it.
It is understood that even with that clause in place, Real could be interested in hijacking a move, with Los Blancos looking to alter their transfer strategy in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic to focus on signing younger, cheaper players with higher ceilings of potential.
As such, it is believed that Real would look to offer Rangers the chance to immediately double their money on the Romanian by bidding around £8.8 million for his services in the summer.
It is unclear whether he would then be drafted into the first team or given the opportunity to develop further as part of Madrid’s Castilla setup – a dedicated B-team for up and coming talent.
What can we make of this?
There’s certainly a lot to unpack here.
It may seem a little farfetched for Madrid to be keen on Hagi, but let’s not forget that it was only a couple of days ago that he was being linked with Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur, as per the Daily Mail.
In an ideal world, you would definitely want to keep a player like Hagi.
Since arriving at Ibrox he has averaged a 58.1% dribble completion rate – 4% higher than Ryan Kent’s this season – as well as 3.32 accurate crosses per game, as per Wyscout.
The latter figure is also 0.69 higher than Kent’s this term.
But the prospect of doubling their fee for the Romanian could prove to be too tempting for the Gers to turn their nose up at.
With an extra £5 million or so in the bank, the Gers could probably bring in another couple of talents who could help them really push on towards the title.
Ultimately, however, you have to look at the impact that Hagi has had, the potential he has to be worth even more further down the line, and conclude that the Gers must try to hang on to him for at least a while longer.
In other Rangers news, Gers begin major renovation work, could impact rest of season.