Gheorghe Hagi speaks out as Ianis Hagi update emerges at Rangers
Gheorghe Hagi has predicted Ianis Hagi to continue his future with Rangers following a season-long loan at Deportivo Alaves.
The Romanian midfielder has spent the 2023/24 campaign away from Ibrox, making 25 appearances for the La Liga outfit and is set to return to Rangers following Alaves’ final game of the season against Las Palmas.
It is unclear what Hagi’s future looks like in Scotland, having made 99 appearances in total for the Gers. His legendary father has tipped him to continue his football at Ibrox.
Speaking to Rangers Review on Thursday (23 May), he said: “After his season ends, Ianis will be preparing for the Euros and then we will see what he does next in the summer.
“At Rangers, he was their best young player when they won the league. He is not going anywhere, he was just loaned to Alaves. There are many opportunities for him.
“I believe he had a good season in Spain – for example, he was the best player for his team in their recent game against Real Madrid.
“People need to remember and everyone seems to forget that he has recovered from a very, very serious knee injury. If it were up to me and I managed a big team in Europe, I would be the first to sign him.”
Will Ianis Hagi be a Rangers player next season?
The 25-year-old still has two years remaining on his contract at Ibrox. Considering this, the Gers will need to sell the midfielder if he is not to continue his stay in Scotland.
Hagi has created many special memories during his time with Rangers, especially his brace against Braga as the Gers secured a 3-2 comeback victory in the Europa League in 2020.
However, he has become an unwanted soul in recent seasons, being shipped out to Spain by Michael Beale last summer. And although Philippe Clement has yet to work with him, a future in Scotland seems unlikely.
Despite his father’s recent comments, it is tough to argue that Hagi had a successful loan spell with Alaves, having only started seven league matches and scoring two goals in all competitions.
In addition to this, with Todd Cantwell and Tom Lawrence both capable of playing in the attacking midfield role, there are few spaces left for him.
Even as a winger, Hagi will struggle to make an impact, with Scott Wright, Rabbi Matondo and Ross McCausland at the club, and Oscar Cortes possibly rejoining the ranks ahead of next season.
The player would provide Clement with some much-needed cover, and a free one at that, but the manager will need to understand his capabilities before a decision can be made.
In other Rangers news, an early team news boost was shared ahead of the Scottish Cup final v Celtic.
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