Scotland Premiership side Rangers have signed Romania 21-year-old international Ianis Hagi from Belgium club side KRK Gent. The player has been bought for an undisclosed fee after negotiation with the Belgium top division side KRC Genk, the price for which he was signed still remains undisclosed. The player has been on with the Scottish side since January from KRK Gent, Rangers has finally made his deal permanent one.
Ianis Hagi is a son of former Barcelona and Real Madrid great legend Gheorghe Hagi, and he has scored three goals in 12 games since moving to Ibrox on loan in January. According to Hagi, he said: “My priority was always to return to Glasgow and play for Rangers.” “I am excited about re-joining the squad for pre-season and putting on the famous shirt once again.”
Rangers sporting director Ross Wilson thanked Belgian top-flight side Genk who signed the winger for £4m from Viitorul Constanta of Romania last summer, he was thanking them especially for their flexibility and creativity in negotiating the transfer to Ibrox. Wilson also said: “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.”
“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.” Ianis Hagi did well in the short time he spent at Ibrox before football in Scotland was suspended on 13 March. Ianis Hagi has made 10 caps for his country Romania and scored two goals to inspire Rangers’ thrilling 3-2 comeback win over Braga in the Europa League last 32.
The manager of Rangers Steven Gerrard has expressed his joy having the player in his squad as he welcomed Hagi’s permanent signing and said: “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 every training session.” “He has already experienced the pressure and expectation of Ibrox, I know he is ready for next season.”
