Rangers star Hagi in talks with two Bundesliga clubs amid surprise £1.7m exit twist
Rangers supporters have a lot to thank Ianis Hagi for after his intervention late on at Aberdeen on Sunday, which held off Celtic’s league title celebrations for a little while longer.
Gers have excelled in the art of the comeback in recent months and especially of late under Barry Ferguson, having yet again started sluggishly and emerged with a return from the game at Pittodrie (13 April).
Hagi has shown his quality on multiple occasions this season, having spent a long spell under Philippe Clement in a stand-off with the hierarchy at Ibrox over a contractual trigger upon making his 100th Gers appearance.
However, the Romanian international is out of contract this summer and has consequently attracted plenty of interest from across Europe.
Hagi in talks with two Bundesliga clubs
Hagi‘s soon-to-be free agent status keeps Rangers powerless in the next steps over the attacking midfielder’s future.
The 26-year-old has created some superb memories for the Gers fans to keep among them over the course of some tough times, but now there are plenty of clubs queueing to offer him a lucrative sum.
The lack of transfer fee required for Hagi means he is bound to earn well from his next contract, and according to former player Adrian Ilie, two Bundesliga sides are fronting the pursuit.
A former teammate of Hagi’s father Gheorghe, Ilie also deduced Hagi is likely to earn as much as £1.7million per year from his next contract, a rise from what he makes at Ibrox.
Ilie said, as per Fanatik (14 April): “I had a lot of discussions with his agent. There are two teams interested in the Bundesliga, especially since he is leaving for free.
“It’s Hoffenheim and Borussia Monchengladbach. There have already been discussions. His agent has spoken to Gladbach.
“[Hagi could earn] 3 million [Euros] gross, yes. A lot of taxes are paid and I say he can get 1.5-2 million euros (£1.7million) net.”
Hagi, who starred for Romania in the knockout stages of Euro 2024 last summer, has performed on the European stage and his high-profile footballing family could help him secure the best possible deal for what will be a career-defining contract.
He has also been linked with clubs in the Turkish Super Lig, though it is considered that Hagi’s entourage are aiming higher.
Rangers would suffer huge loss with Hagi exiting for free
Rangers would undoubtedly reel harshly from Hagi leaving on a free transfer, but it is a consideration which fans have become accustomed to.
It is very unlikely Hagi – with the contacts and representatives he has – will agree an extension at Ibrox in the knowledge he can play in a league like the Bundesliga from next season.
Hagi himself will also not have forgotten the tension with the Ibrox board over his contract earlier this season, while consigned to outperforming everyone on the pitch for the B team.
| Rangers – contracts expiring this summer |
| Ianis Hagi |
| Tom Lawrence |
| Leon Balogun |
Rangers will have a huge summer ahead in the transfer market, across which they will hope a takeover can be completed and funds released to compete with Celtic once again.
For now, Gers and Hagi will focus solely on Thursday’s trip to Bilbao in the Europa League, with a goalless aggregate scoreline against Athletic Club (17 April).