Rangers are short of quality and short of options in the attacking areas which makes Ianis Hagi’s absence all themore bizarre.
Philippe Clement has spoken about the Romanian playmaker’s future already this summer in that pre-European Championships discussions suggested that all parties had agreed to part ways.
Now though, the 25-year old is said to have had a change of heart with the mercurial talent starring for the B team.
Has there been the biggest clue yet that Ianis Hagi might be set for a return to the Rangers fold?
Rangers B team selection could be a nod to Ianis Hagi return
The £3m signing has had a rollercoaster ride in his time at Ibrox.
He earned almost immediate cult status with his performance against Braga before playing a key role in securing the Scottish Premiership title in the following campaign.
Since then, injury has curtailed his appearances and a loan move to Deportivo Alaves didn’t quite go to plan.
When Hagi signed his contract extension – reported in the Scottish press as being until 2026 – it was clear that he was determined to make up for lost time:
“The history that this club has pushes you every single day on the pitch and off the pitch to be a better player and a better person.
“I like to think I have left something behind me and I have given really good memories to the fans but I still feel like I haven’t done everything that I want. I still have a lot of things to show and give to this amazing group of people in Rangers as well as the fans, I just can’t wait until I’m back.”
As already stated, Hagi has been having to play catch up with the B team despite looking like he was on his way out.
He hasn’t sulked, he hasn’t gone in the huff, what he has done is set an example.
Hagi has captained Romania and has shown his leadership skills in the past, Clement needs experience and he needs quality – Hagi has both.
After featuring in the last two fixtures, one name was conspicuous by its absence as the B team took on Clyde in the SPFL Trust Trophy – Ianis Hagi.
Hagi return would bring much needed fresh legs and creativity
Overage players – up to two – are permitted in “colt” teams but there was no sign of the current Gers number 30 as Alex Lowry lit up the occasion.
Tom Lawrence has averaged 92 minutes per game so far this season, almost by default, with no other options available.
At 30-years old and having spent the last two seasons beset by injury problems, he isn’t getting any quicker.
Hagi has never been blessed with pace, but he is one of the most technically gifted players in the squad, can pick out a pass and will never stop working.
A reported £6k per week pay rise clause if he plays again must be ignored, especially with Jose Cifuentes off the books.
A year since the last time he was seen in the first-team, could Hagi be about to make a much-needed return?
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