Gheorghe Hagi shares ‘twice as good’ Ianis Hagi prediction after Rangers loan exit

Gheorghe Hagi believes his son Ianis Hagi will be “twice as good” this time next year after his temporary Rangers exit.

The 24-year-old has made a temporary switch to La Liga club Alaves for the rest of the season, as per the official Rangers website (27 August).

The attacker boasts 99 appearances for the Scottish club, where he has registered a total of 16 goals and 21 assists.

“I agree with Ianis’ decision,” said Gheorghe, as quoted by The Herald (28 August). “It’s his decision, I knew about the move. Ianis wanted to get to Spain. It’s a very good league which will help him progress, help him be better.

“Spain is a fantastic league, there is a very good playing technique. In my opinion, in a year’s time, he will be twice as good.”

Smart move

As expected, Rangers manager Michael Beale has overseen a major overhaul at Ibrox this summer, with plenty of movement in both directions.

A total of nine players have been brought to the club, while the likes of Ryan Kent, Allan McGregor and Alfredo Morelos left upon the expiry of their contracts.

Many may have thought that Hagi would also be moving on permanently this summer, but the attacker has put an end to any such speculation with his loan switch to Alaves.

And that is certainly a smart move from the Romanian international, who has definitely fallen down the pecking order at Ibrox given the long list of new attacking faces at the club.

Forwards Danilo, Sam Lammers, Cyriel Dessers and Abdallah Sima have all joined, as have midfielders Kieran Dowell and Jose Cifuentes.

Hagi has been unlucky due to his lengthy injury, but now he has a fantastic injury to get back to full fitness in a league filled with top talent.

In other Rangers news, Steven Davis has sent a message to Hagi following his loan exit from Ibrox.