Rangers have improved immensely under Steven Gerrard and reignited the fierce rivalry with Old Firm rivals Celtic over the past couple of years. But the Bears are yet to topple them at the top of the Premiership standings and challenge their nine in a row’ mission – a currency to the Hoops’ decade-long dominance in Scottish football.
While the Gers must grab silverware soon to draw an end to their title drought, latest reports surrounding Ianis Hagi’s future must be relieving for the fans as well as the manager amid fears of Alfredo Morelos’ potential summer exit due to interest from Premier League hotshots following a 29-goal campaign so far across all competitions.
Rangers witnessed a drastic dip in form since the winter break. They lost their relevance in the title battle after the winter break but, at the same time, punched above their weight in Europe to make it to the Round of 16 in the Europa League. Hagi had a massive impact since completing a loan switch from Genk and the Ibrox outfit, holding the first option to sign him for £4.5m by the end of the current spell, were sweating over his future when reports of Lazio’s interest emerged a few weeks ago.
Massive Boost For Rangers?
However, the 21-year-old has now been backed to stay in Glasgow, and the Light Blues are unlikely to face any competition from the Biancocelesti according to renowned Romanian agent Giovani Becali.
“There is absolutely nothing in these stories about Ianis Hagi and Lazio. And the reason I know this for sure is because I have a very good relationship with the sports director at Lazio and I asked him directly whether they were interested in Ianis. I can say for sure Lazio are not interested in signing him.”
Revealed Becali (as claimed by the Daily Record) who is also the brother of Steaua Bucharest owner Gigi Becali.
Early Impact And How Gerrard Should Deploy Him In The Attacking Third
Ianis, son of legendary Gheorghe Hagi, earned plaudits for his heroics against Braga when he lifted the Ibrox mood single-handedly with his side 2-0 down. His brace led to a remarkable European comeback and the 21-year-old, with his versatility and composure in and around the attacking third, must have a larger role to play for from the next season onwards.
Despite his ability to operate from the wide areas, the youngster is more suited as a ‘number 10’ and could flourish significantly as an attacking playmaker under Steven Gerrard’s tutelage. A move to Rangers should see him earning a regular status compared to a potential sporadic role elsewhere and the player, too, must make the most of it to justify the hype.
