Ianis Hagi backed to handle expectations at Rangers

Romanian turned down interest from other clubs to return to Ibrox
Ianis Hagi is expected to sign a three-year contract with Rangers. Picture: Alan Harvey / SNSIanis Hagi is expected to sign a three-year contract with Rangers. Picture: Alan Harvey / SNS
Ianis Hagi is expected to sign a three-year contract with Rangers. Picture: Alan Harvey / SNS

Rangers manager Steven Gerrard believes Ianis Hagi will be ready to handle the intense demands placed on his squad to win silverware next season after confirming his permanent move to the Ibrox club.

The Romanian international midfielder will formally complete the transfer from Belgian club Genk when the summer transfer window opens next month. It’s understood Rangers agreed a fee of around £3 million for the 21-year-old who is expected to sign a three-year contract.

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Hagi made a positive impression during his loan spell with Gerrard’s team last season, scoring three goals in 12 games before the coronavirus shutdown.

Ianis Hagi will sign a three-year contract with Rangers after impressing on loan. Picture: Alan Harvey/SNSIanis Hagi will sign a three-year contract with Rangers after impressing on loan. Picture: Alan Harvey/SNS
Ianis Hagi will sign a three-year contract with Rangers after impressing on loan. Picture: Alan Harvey/SNS

Gerrard made no secret of his desire to secure the former Fiorentina youngster long-term and feels the loan spell has prepared him to make an even bigger impact when the 2020-21 season gets underway.

“I was able to develop a relationship with Ianis very quickly, he is a pleasure to coach as he is willing to learn and become better in every training session,” said Gerrard. “He has already experienced the pressure and expectation of Ibrox, I know he is ready for next season. Ianis is recognised throughout Europe as a young, exciting player so to have him join Rangers on a permanent basis is great news.”

Hagi, son of Romanian football icon Gheorghe, had been linked with a return to Italian football with Lazio. But he insisted returning to Rangers was his sole focus.

“I am excited about re-joining the squad for pre-season and putting on the famous shirt once again,” said Hagi. “There was interest from other clubs but my priority was always to return to Glasgow and play for Rangers. I really enjoyed my loan spell at Ibrox and look forward to playing in front of our fans very soon.”

Rangers sporting director Ross Wilson believes Hagi represents a sound investment for the Ibrox club as they look to strengthen their squad.

“He is not only a huge talent but also a top young professional who is determined to be successful,” said Wilson. “We are sure our investment in him will be an effective one as we believe in his ability now, whilst also being excited that at 21 years old there is significantly more development to come from him.

“When Ianis arrived in January we quickly developed a strong relationship with him and I know how much Steven and the coaches enjoy working with him every day.

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“The formality of the transfer won’t be complete until the transfer window opens but we look forward to welcoming Ianis back to Glasgow in the next few weeks alongside the rest of the first team squad. Finally, I thank Genk for their openness, flexibility and creativity in all of our discussions.

“We secured an exclusive option (to buy Ianis) in January and in recent weeks we have worked with Genk to find a new solution that works for everyone now, given how much the world has changed in the last few months.”

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