Romanian boss claims Ianis Hagi faces ‘disaster’ if he does not sign for Rangers
Rangers loanee Ianis Hagi would face a “disaster” if he had to return to parent club Genk this summer, according to Romanian football manager Victor Piturca.
The 21-year-old arrived on loan at Ibrox from the Belgian side in January, and has impressed during his time in Glasgow, hitting three goals and two assists in 10 matches.
The Gers have an option-to-buy clause written into his contract, understood to be worth around £4.5 million, but sporting director Ross Wilson has recently admitted that the financial impact of the Coronavirus pandemic could derail any hopes of landing him on a permanent basis.
Piturca – who has managed Romania three times and Steaua Bucharest on four occasions – is confident of his young compatriot securing a move to Ibrox, however, and believes it would be the best course of action for him.
As quoted by the Daily Record, he said: “I expected Ianis to take a huge step forward when he went to Belgium, but unfortunately this did not happen. He was loaned to Rangers, a club that I think is right for him
“Let’s hope the people in Glasgow will be satisfied with him and buy him permanently because it would be a disaster for him if he had to return to Genk.
“I believe he is happy at Rangers because he has a manager who trusts him and believes in him. He is absolutely full of quality.
“I am sure he will stay at Rangers. I hope he does and I also hope they know what they have got with him.”
What can we take from Piturca’s comments?
For one thing, it’s good news that he is certain Hagi will sign a permanent deal at Ibrox.
His comments echo a report from Goal.com which stated last month that a deal for the playmaker is all but wrapped up.
It’s clear that Hagi is thriving at Ibrox too.
Since arriving in Scotland he has averaged a 58.1% dribble completion rate – 4% higher than Ryan Kent’s this season – as well as 3.32 accurate crosses per game, as per Wyscout.
The latter figure is also 0.69 higher than Kent’s so far this term.
Piturca’s comments somewhat reflect those of former England striker Darren Bent, who has also stated during an interview with Football Insider that he believes Rangers are the ideal club for the Romanian to hone his skills with.
Here’s hoping that both the Gers and the player see it that way, and that a deal can be completed with relative ease this summer.
In other Rangers news, Gers set to delay SPFL dossier release.