It seems that Ianis Hagi’s days at Rangers may be numbered at the end of this season, when the 26-year-old Romanian midfielder’s contract with the Scottish club expires.
And even though Gica Popescu, the president of Farul Constanta, hinted that Hagi feels good at Rangers and that the chances of moving to Fenerbahce are slim, the Scottish press believes that the Romanian national team player is already preparing to leave Ibrox in the summer.
"Ianis Hagi's move to Europa League opponents ruled out as the Romanian legend insists that his family roots are too strong," headlined Daily Record. "The Romanian international is out of contract at the end of the season and appears ready to leave Ibrox," the Scots noted later.
Interest in Ianis Hagi has grown significantly recently, especially after his very good performances at Rangers. There have been offers from Genoa, Fenerbahce, and Galatasaray, and the aforementioned publication mentioned Gica Popescu's statement in the Romanian press.
"The midfielder has been linked with several clubs, including Genoa from Serie A and the two biggest clubs in Turkey, Fenerbahce and Galatasaray. But the legend of Romania and the current president of Farul Constanta - which is owned and coached by Ianis's father, Gheorghe Hagi - Gheorghe Popescu does not believe that Ianis Hagi will join Fenerbahce (whom Rangers will face next Thursday in the Europa League) because Ianis's father was a favorite of the fans during his time playing for Galatasaray's arch-rival," the Scottish publication further wrote.
Popescu said about Hagi that it is hard to believe that he will ever end up at Fener, considering that his father made history for Galatasaray for so long: "I don't know if it's true or not (regarding Fenerbahce's interest). What I can say is that I know from Ianis that he is happy at Rangers, he has started playing and is appreciated. I don't know about his intention to leave there, whether it's Fenerbahce, Galatasaray, or any other club. I don't know Ianis to want to leave Glasgow. It would be something that would be hard to imagine (Ianis Hagi ending up at Fenerbahce). Gica is considered the best foreigner to have passed through the Turkish league, and I know how much he loves Galatasaray”.
Ianis Hagi has scored three goals and provided five assists in 19 matches played in the Scottish Premiership this season.
D.A.