Romanian agent claims Rangers have completed permanent deal for Hagi
Rangers have completed the permanent signing of Ianis Hagi, according to Romanian agent Giovani Becali.
The 21-year-old arrived at Ibrox from Genk in January, and has impressed during his time in Glasgow, scoring three goals and assisting two more in 10 outings.
But there has been some uncertainty as to whether or not Rangers would choose to exercise the option-to-buy clause written in to his loan deal, with sporting director Ross Wilson casting doubt over the affordability of a transfer.
According to Becali, however, those concerns have been overcome and a deal has been wrapped up.
Speaking to the Scottish Sun, he said: “Ianis has just signed for one of the most important clubs in Europe. The deal is complete.
“I would describe Rangers as the Juventus of Scotland. I understand completely why Ianis has chosen to sign for them. They are an extraordinary club.
“The most important thing is that Rangers have carried out their option to buy him and he now has peace of mind about his future for the next few years.
“He has done very well at Rangers, but there was always the worry that they wouldn’t want to sign him up. But I know he has a very good contract there in Glasgow and this is a really smart move for him.”
What can we make of this?
It’s probably best to not get our hopes up until the club themselves confirm a deal for Hagi, but this is certainly an exciting update.
It also fits in with a lot of rhetoric we have been hearing about Hagi’s potential move in recent days.
Romanian journalist Emanuel Rosu suggested earlier in the week that a deal was in the “final stages” of being completed, while the chairman of Hagi’s first senior club has claimed that he is “convinced” a permanent transfer will be agreed.
It does feel as if it is becoming a matter of when, not if, Hagi’s arrival will be confirmed – and that can only be a positive thing for the Gers.
In other Rangers news, Ibrox View: Early signs show are that Tulloch could be asset for Gers amid reported interest.