Gheorghe Hagi claims Rangers boss Gerrard has praised son for doing ‘exceptional things’
Gheorghe Hagi has claimed that Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has told him that his son is doing “exceptional things” in Glasgow.
Ianis Hagi joined the Gers on loan from Genk in January, and has registered three goals and two assists in 10 outings so far.
It is understood that his contract includes an option-to-buy clause worth about £4.5 million, although there is no concrete indication yet as to whether or not the Gers will move to take him on on a permanent basis.
But it would appear that his dad is happy with his progress in Scotland.
Speaking to the print edition of Italian outlet Corriere Dello Sport, as pictured below, he said: “If you’ve seen him play, you’ll have noticed he has a great talent, he’s a number ten that can do everything.
“At Fiorentina, he was young and you know how Italy are, they have little patience with young people, they want everything immediately.
“Fiorentina has remained in his heart and this experience has taken him to Genk.
“Now Steven Gerrard wanted him at Rangers, and Gerrard told me he [Hagi] is doing exceptional things. There’s nothing to do. Even the most ‘talented’ young man can be given an opportunity to make mistakes.”
What does this tell us about Hagi’s chances of signing for Rangers?
This has to be a positive sign, surely.
The fact that the player’s dad, a legend in his own right, is opening up on conversations between himself and Steven Gerrard in which the boss heaps praise on Hagi can only be a good thing.
Of course, we have heard from Ross Wilson in recent times that the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic could throw a spanner in the works when it comes to wrapping a deal up, but it sounds as if the desire is there, at least, for a move to be completed.
Only time will tell, but as far as sources go, they don’t come much more informed than a player’s own father, and there are certainly reasons to be optimistic.
In other Rangers news, Alex Rae issues verdict on ‘ludicrous’ Gers SPFL probe dismissal.