According to a recent report from La Lazio Siamo Noi, Lazio are interested in signing Romanian attacker Ianis Hagi. The report adds that Rangers does have an option to buy him permanently for around £4m from Genk. However, it is being said that Hagi would prefer a more high profile option like the Serie A over staying in the Scottish Premiership.
Steven Gerrard and Rangers seem to hold the cards for Hagi, but it is being said that Gerrard would be reluctant in signing a player who would rather be elsewhere. It remains to be seen what would transpire in the upcoming few months with Coronavirus suspending football for now.
Hagi has impressed for Rangers ever since his arrival, and he produced a magical display in Europe against Braga in the first leg to give the Bears faithful one of the best European nights in the history of the club.
Why Lazio’s interest is a blow for Rangers?
Lazio meanwhile have punched above their weight in the Serie A this time as they are just a point behind league leaders Juventus. They are likely to get Champions League football, and Hagi’s head could definitely turn if Lazio comes up with a concrete approach for the Romanian.
However, Hagi would just be another player at Lazio whereas, at Rangers, he will be treated like a superstar. The ten times Romanian international has made quite an impact for the Glaswegian giants so far as he has managed three goals and two assists in 11 appearances for Rangers.
Why should Gerrard sign Hagi permanently even if he doesn’t wish to continue?
It is understandable why Gerrard might be reluctant to sign Hagi for £4m if he doesn’t want to stay permanently. Nevertheless, we think that the English manager should exercise the option to buy Hagi in the summer. If the attacker really pushes for a move away, then we believe that Rangers could still end up selling him for profit after signing him for £4m odd.
A situation like that wouldn’t be ideal, but Rangers might be able to make a decent profit on him. It’s tough to say right now regarding what Hagi might prefer in the summer. In fact, we are not even sure if we believe the La Lazio Siamo Noi report. However, it cannot be ignored that Lazio are a desirable proposition at the moment and getting a chance to feature in the Champions League could turn anyone’s head.
Rangers’ best hope could be Gerrard and his ability to man manage and talk Hagi into staying at Ibrox for one or two more seasons. It cannot be ignored that the Romanian has the talent to play in some of the top leagues of the world. Hence, Lazio’s interest is a blow for Rangers. However, Gerrard should go ahead and sign him permanently. If Hagi stays, then all well and good, and if he wants a move, then Rangers should demand £8-10m for him.
