Gheorghe Popescu reacts to ‘sensational’ Ianis Hagi transfer news as Rangers exit nears
Farul Constanta president Gheorghe Popescu has ruled out signing Ianis Hagi amid talk of a “sensational” move for the Rangers attacker.
The Romanian side are managed by Ianis’ father Gheorghe, explaining the transfer links.
Hagi senior refused to comment on the speculation this week, but his brother-in-law Popescu has now moved to put an end to the rumours, while suggesting no formal offers have yet been made by any club to Rangers.
“We can’t afford Ianis Hagi,” Popescu is quoted as saying by Rangers Review [25 August].
“It would be sensational if we could afford to bring in a player of Ianis’ stature, but unfortunately not.
“I am convinced that Ianis will return to the highest level, to a very, very good team.
“His talent is extraordinary and I am sure that things will go back to normal as soon as possible. As far as I know, there have been no offers for him.
“But when he makes his decision about his future, he will pick a club that will be good for him and he will return to his best form again soon.”
A sad end
Hagi’s future at Ibrox was cast in doubt when being omitted from Michael Beale’s squad for the Champions League qualifying play-off tie against PSV.
That came on the back of the Romanian admitting to being frustrated about his lack of playing time in the early stages of the 2023-24 campaign.
Turkish side Trabzonspor are said to have contacted Rangers over a move for Hagi [Fotomac], while Italian side Lecce have also been linked, but the 24-year-old remains in Glasgow for now.
However, Stevie Clifford claimed on Tuesday [22 August] that Hagi definitely has no future with the Glasgow giants [Rangers Review].
With time running out until the transfer window closes, a switch to Romanian champions Farul Constanta was touted as a possible option.
The Sailors are on course to qualify for the group stage of the Europa Conference League, so they could possibly offer Hagi some European football.
But it appears they cannot offer the type of sum of money Rangers are holding out for, meaning Hagi now faces a nervous wait to find a new club.
It is a sad end to his Ibrox career, but hopefully an outcome that suits both the club and player can be reached over the next week.
In other Rangers news, the Gers have confirmed the exit of another player.