A defeat to bottom-placed Hearts was unforeseen from Rangers’ perspective considering the form they have been in prior to the winter break. But the Gers are still pretty much in the title hunt and Steven Gerrard, the Ibrox chief, decided to bolster the squad furthermore before the window was slammed shut.
Although it has been a quiet window compared to the previous ones, the Bears still have managed to strike a deal for promising Ianis Hagi, son of legendary Gheorghe Hagi, according to Sky Sports.
TRANSFER NEWS
Romanian midfielder Ianis Hagi has arrived in Scotland ahead of a loan move to @RangersFC from @KRCGenkofficial
More transfer news on @SkySportsNews and https://t.co/765QgBcmRi pic.twitter.com/hj641qXZYc
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) January 30, 2020
A Shrewd Deal For Rangers?
The 21-year-old is one of the budding prospects of Romanian football having progressed through his father’s Academy. Hagi had a brief stint with Fiorentina before being snapped up by Genk last summer.
The reigning Jupiler League champions, known for promoting potential world-beaters over the years, handed him first-team minutes instantly including Champions League experience against the likes of Napoli, RB Salzburg along with the six-time European winners Liverpool.
Three goals and four assists in 19 league appearances might not be the most convincing stats ever. But he holds the potential to shine in the forthcoming future and has shown the glimpses already at his previous clubs. Gerrard lacks a ‘number 10’ in his side and Hagi, despite capable of featuring down the wide, prefers to operate as a midfield attacker and create chances for the frontline.
A loan deal in these closing hours has to be the smartest piece of business from the Glasgow giants as an attempt to make the move permanent would only be considered if the youngster fulfils expectations.
How Would He Fit In The Gers’ Set-up?
The manager has the likes of Joe Aribo and Scott Arfield in his ranks who are versatile and have played in that role already at some stage of the campaign. Aribo, however, seems more suited down the flank whereas Arfield, though industrious and experienced, has struggled to inject the creative spark persistently.
Hagi has his limitations being a traditional ‘number 10’ who lacks work ethics at times. But he has the flexibility in his game and therefore, could be moulded to attune to the gaffer’s philosophy and tactical awareness.
