Ex-Romania international backs Ianis Hagi to have ‘bright future’ with Rangers
Ianis Hagi has the potential to have a “bright future” with Rangers, according to ex-Romania international Iosif Rotariu.
The 57-year-old played alongside Hagi’s father, Gheorghe, at Steaua Bucharest, and has watched the 21-year-old progress from promising youth talent to fully-fledged senior international in his own right.
The playmaker joined the Gers on loan from Genk in January, and is understood to have an option-to-buy clause of around £4.5 million written into his deal at Ibrox.
And Rotariu believes that making his move to Glasgow permanent could be highly beneficial for both player and club.
Speaking to Digi Sport, he said: “Ianis is doing very well in Scotland and I see him having a bright future there.
“He has an excellent relationship with Steven Gerrard.
“The Englishman is a driven coach. He knows how to get the best version out of Ianis.
“He will grow enormously; the Scottish championship suits him. You see, I have been watching this championship for a long time, my visit to Ibrox remained close to my heart.”
How positive are Rotariu’s comments?
In short, very.
The veteran Romanian goes on to say in his interview with Digi Sport that he has known Hagi for a long time, and has watched him play throughout his career.
For somebody with such a great depth of knowledge to suggest that Hagi is suited to Scottish football, and to claim that he is happy with his situation in Glasgow – it can only be a good thing.
Of course, there are still no assurances that Hagi will sign on a permanent basis – and Ross Wilson‘s recent comments about the potential impact the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic could have on a deal are a little worrying – but it does feel as if there are plenty of reasons to be cautiously optimistic.
The chairman of Hagi’s first senior club, FC Viitorul, has openly admitted to Gazeta Sporturilor that he is “convinced” a permanent deal will happen, while Goal.com reported towards the end of April that an agreement was edging closer to completion.
Only time will tell, but the signs are promising.
In other Rangers news, Ibrox Exclusive: Alex Bruce backs Gerrard to stay with Gers next season.