GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - JULY 18: A general view during the pre-season friendly match between Rangers and Newcastle at Ibrox Stadium on July 18, 2023 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images)
Ianis Hagi may already have played his final game for Rangers after comments he made last week about his time on loan with Alaves.
The 25-year-old was sent to the Spanish side in August on a season-long loan after struggling for playing time at Ibrox.
Hagi, a 99-game veteran and former fan favourite, struggled to establish himself in the lineup following his year-long absence.
The Romanian international is technically scheduled to return to Glasgow the following summer because his contract is set to expire at the end of the 2025–2026 campaign.
But, if a recent interview he did is any indication, it now appears more likely that he will remain at Alaves should a deal be reached.
He stated, “I have always followed it and it has always been my favourite league,” in an interview with the LaLiga podcast on November 16.
“I adore Spanish football and the Spanish way of thinking. I adore this country and the way of life it offers. I’m having a great time here.
Hagi responded, “They are always ambitious and they align with who I am, my personality, and my mentality,” when asked about Alaves in particular.
In terms of coded messages, Hagi has expressed how much he enjoys living in La Liga and how content he would be to stay put.
If Hagi returns in the summer, it is hard to see him making a return to Ibrox, even with Philippe Clement in place.
Rangers will want to recover the £4.5 million that they reportedly paid to acquire Hagi permanently in May 2020 [Daily Record].
He is obviously a gifted player; all he needs to do is play regular football. However, he is not good enough to beg to come back.
Hagi might just be making the correct statements, but at this point, it seems more likely that his future is now outside of Glasgow.
