Ianis Hagi sends two-word message to Rangers defender after win v Fenerbahce
Ianis Hagi was delighted following Rangers’ 3-1 win over Fenerbahce in the UEFA Europa League.
Rangers emerged as victors in Istanbul as the Scottish side dismantled Fenerbahce 3-1 in the first leg of the Europa League round of 16 clash courtesy of goals from Cyriel Dessers and Vaclav Cerney.
Dessers opened the scoring for the visitors and then Cerny netted a brace to ensure victory for manager Barry Ferguson‘s side.
While the Gers have struggled to catch up to Celtic in the Scottish Premiership, they are on course to enter the quarterfinals of the Europa League following their win over the Turkish side in the first leg.
Ianis Hagi in awe of Rangers teammate
Following the victory, Rangers defender Ridvan Yilmaz took to Instagram to express his happiness and thank all the fans that took 2200 mile trip to Istanbul from Glasgow.
He wrote on Instagram: “I really proud of you boys. Thanks for our all fans.”
Yilmaz, the only Turkish player in Rangers’ side, featured for 76 minutes in the first leg, putting on a decent shift.
| Ianis Hagi stats 2024-25 (till 6th March 2025) | Stats |
| Matches | 24 |
| Goals | 4 |
| Assists | 7 |
| Minutes Played | 1637 |
The former Besiktas full-back has been a regular part of Rangers’ side when fit and has showcased excellent versatility, operating on either flank in the full-back position as well as in a slightly advanced role.
Reacting to Yilmaz’s post, teammate Hagi commended the 23-year-old defender. Hagi featured for 14 minutes in the game, coming on as a substitute for Mohamed Diomande in the second half.
Hagi commented “Turkish Delight” on Yilmaz’s post, acknowledging the solid performance out in by the Turkey international.
Ianis Hagi to leave the Gers at the end of the season?
The Romanian attacker has his contract expiring at the end of the season and there are high chances of him leaving Ibrox at the end of the season.
Hagi was frozen out of the team at the start of the 2024-25 season over a contract dispute but the 26-year-old has managed to claw his way back in the team. In 19 Premiership outings, Hagi has scored thrice and set up goals for his teammates on seven occasions.
With his current deal expiring at the end of the season and no signs of him signing a new contract, the former Genk attacker is likely to leave at the end of the season as a free agent.
There’s no shortage of suitors for Hagi as Turkish giants Fenerbahce are said to be keen on the 26-year-old.
Given Fenerbahce’s liking for Hagi, these two legs of the Europa League can serve as an audition for Hagi in front of the Fenerbahce coaching staff.