Rangers board made to look silly after what happened in Old Firm win v Celtic
Ianis Hagi’s stunning goal in the 3-0 win against Celtic is a “damning indictment” of the Rangers board, according to Stephen McGowan.
The Romanian broke the deadlock from distance after seven minutes to help the Gers secure a monumental victory in the Old Firm derby on Thursday (2 January) and ease the ever-growing pressure on Philippe Clement.
However, Daily Mail reporter McGowan shared in his column on Friday (3 December) that Hagi’s goal should be a warning to the Light Blues as they navigate the winter transfer market.
He wrote: “If you’ll forgive an old footballing cliche, the return of the Romanian international to the Ibrox first team is beginning to feel like the signing of a new player. The kind of talent the club would struggle to purchase on the open market.
“On loan at Spanish side Alaves last season, a contract issue subjected the playmaker to the ignominy of playing games against lower-league cannon fodder for the Rangers B team.
“As he outplayed Celtic’s feted midfield on Thursday — while watched from the stands by legendary father Gheorghe — the episode felt more and more like a waste of talent. A damning indictment of the mismanagement higher up the food chain at Ibrox.”
Rangers must rethink January transfer strategy
Despite kick-starting a monumental victory in the Old Firm derby, Daily Record reporter Mark Guidi believes Rangers should consider selling Hagi while his stock is high (2 January).
This represents the biggest challenge facing Clement and co this January – the Gers operate in a sell-to-buy model, and tough decisions must be made.
However, lessons of the summer must be applied in January, and while the wage bill was freed with the departures of first-team regulars Connor Goldson, John Lundstram and Borna Barisic, they are certainly missed at Ibrox.
Clement cannot afford to lose more quality in his side. Yes, reinforcements are needed, but at what cost?
Rangers are 11 points adrift of Celtic in the Scottish Premiership despite the victory on New Year’s Day. It is clear the exploits of the summer transfer window has done more harm than good.
And while Hagi will undoubtedly have suitors after shining against the league leaders, the potential impact he could have in Glasgow until the end of the season is worth far more than any transfer fee.
Furthermore, there are more viable candidates on the chopping block – Cyriel Dessers is “happy” to leave the Light Blues amid emerging interest from Ligue 1 outfit Saint Etienne.
Nils Koppen and Clement must sit down and evaluate the squad before final decisions are made, and Hagi should be going absolutely nowhere.
In other Rangers news, Heart and Hand thrilled as the Gers make an ‘outstanding’ announcement.
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