Ianis Hagi had verbal agreement to leave Rangers, follow Steven Gerrard to Aston Villa
Ianis Hagi had a verbal agreement to leave Rangers for Aston Villa before his knee injury dashed hopes of a move to the Premier League, according to Pro Sport.
The 24-year-old missed more than an entire year following surgery on an injury picked up in the Scottish Cup against Stirling Albion on 21 January last year, and has made just five brief appearances so far this season.
But it appears he was in line to join former manager Steven Gerrard, and current boss Michael Beale, in leaving Ibrox for Villa Park before the medical issue struck.
Interest is once again ramping up now that he has returned to action, with Borussia Monchengladbach named as suitors and interest from other “top clubs in Europe” mooted, after what are called “important revelations” over a previous exit to England that ultimately never was.
According to Pro Sport, a source said: “Ianis needs to take a new step in his career and the injury has set him back.
“He had a verbal agreement with Aston Villa and, if that bad luck had not occurred, he would now be playing in the Premier League, in England!”
Sliding doors
Moments like the one that ruled Hagi out for over 12 months have major effects on more than just the player at the centre of events.
He may not have been the difference but perhaps Gerrard wouldn’t have lost his job earlier this season if he had his former Ibrox charge among the ranks in England.
Amad Diallo’s disappointing loan move to Glasgow last January would likely not have happened, and it would have been one less stick to beat Ross Wilson with over the recent transfer market dealings, not to mention the equally fruitless permanent signing of Rabbi Matondo in the summer.
Having finally made it back from his injury under Michael Beale, Hagi is still working his way back to full fitness, although it appears not to be a quick enough process for his legendary father Gheorghe, who has exploded at his son’s omission from the national team squad due to it being a threat to a potential move elsewhere.
The signing from Genk was handed a new contract until 2026 just last December, so unless that was purely a route to protect the wide man’s transfer value it would appear the club have plans for him going forward.
It looks to have been a sound move either way as a transfer market now seems to be developing for a player who has barely been seen in Rangers action for the best part of 14 months now.
In other Rangers news, the club should fork out £50million to rival clubs according to a former Scotland boss’ plans for the SPFL.