Rangers star Ianis Hagi ‘attracts keen transfer interest’ from European club with major links to English giants
IANIS HAGI has only just returned to the Rangers first team.
But he’s already being eyed for a January transfer, according to a report.
Hagi’s Rangers career looked over.
Having spent last season on loan in Spain with Alaves, he returned to the Gers this summer.
However, he was sent to train with the B team and his exit only seemed a matter of time.
But the summer transfer window came and went and the 26-year old remained on the books at Ibrox.
That was despite Gers boss Philippe Clement hinting there was no way back for him at the club.
It emerged a clause in Hagi’s contract that would’ve led to Rangers paying more money was at the centre of the situation.
Then, at the start of this month came the out of the blue revelation that Hagi was back training with the first team.
The club struck an agreement with the Romania international and he was brought back into the top team’s fold.
Just five days after he return to training on October 1, he made a rather dramatic return to the Rangers side.
He came on as a half time substitute during the Scottish Premiership clash with St Johnstone.
Hagi made an instant impact, assisting Vaclav Cerny’s second goal of the game in a 2-0 win for Rangers.
His big return ended on a sour note, however, as he was sent off for ugly challenge on Saints’ Benji Kimpioka.
As a result, he hasn’t been available for selection since but could return to the squad for tonight’s clash with Aberdeen.
But despite his return to the Rangers fold, the transfer talk hasn’t gone away.
In fact, a new club has emerged as a potential suitor for Hagi.
French outlet Only Mercato are reporting that Strasbourg are ‘showing a keen interest’ in signing him in January.
The report claims Strasbourg chiefs are pondering a loan move for the midfielder.
The club are currently sitting 9th in Ligue 1 but are just four points off the Champions League places.
Strasbourg are owned by BlueCo, the same company that owns Chelsea and is run by Todd Boehly.
They’re managed by former Hull boss Liom Rosenior and have a number of players on loan from their London counterparts.
Last season’s first choice Chelsea goalkeeper, Djordje Petrovic, is currently with Strasbourg.
Before his future was resolved, Hagi spoke of his ‘love’ for Rangers as he vowed to return to the first team.
He said: It’s all down to me, I know what I’ve been through for the last six weeks.
“I did the training with the second team, I did the physical training. The Romania coach knows how much I pushed myself to be present here. This is my passion.
“I’m going back to Rangers. I have one year left on my contract there.
“I gave two public messages, everyone knows them. I love the club, I’m ready to fight for the fans, for what that huge club means in Europe.
“I’m there, I’m back, I’m fighting for the coach, for the team.
“They know who I am as a person, as a footballer. Tomorrow, I go back to Glasgow and start all over again. I fight.”
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