If the report from Gazzetta dello Sport is believed to be true, Rangers attacker Ianis Hagi is a summer transfer target of Serie A giants Lazio. The Biancocelesti are keen on bolstering their frontline to improve the scoring record and the Gers, having been crowned the champions of Scotland, might find it difficult to retain the services of an array of first-team stars.
Ianis, son of the Romanian legend Gheorghe Hagi, had a brief stint in Italy with Fiorentina back in his teenage days. But he could not settle in Florence and later moved to Ibrox from Genk following an impressive loan stint a year ago. Although it took some time for him to settle in, the 22-year-old attacker attuned to Gerrard’s system down the right-hand flank.
Hagi has found the net 7 times and registered 12 assists so far in 38 appearances across competitions. Some of them have been decisive to grind out results in close encounters and the youngster has gradually become a fan favourite for his skills and flair in the attacking third.
“I try to stay as long as possible after training to execute free kicks. Physically I am very well. The championship [in Scotland] being stronger, more aggressive, I had to adapt. Football must be played with the mind. I will not become a player who will put others aside because my style is different. My role in the field is to create.”
Revealed the player on his initial struggles while speaking to Romanian outlet FRF TV (as quoted by the Daily Record).
Why Rangers Must Fend Off Lazio’s Interest In Hagi
Lazio are also keeping close tabs on River Plate striker Rafael Santos Borre to take the pressure off Ciro Immobile high up the pitch. Vedat Muriqi has failed to impress as an outright ‘number 9’ and might return to Fenerbahce upon completion of the current season. The addition of both Borre and Hagi would inject versatility upfront and the Gers, therefore, must prepare themselves to retain the services of the latter irrespective of summer offers.
The Bears might require reinvestment in attack with Jermain Defoe and Greg Stewart set to depart once their contracts expire. Glenn Middleton, Jordan Jones and Brandon Barker have been offloaded on loan whereas clubs across Europe are circling like vultures for hitman Alfredo Morelos. It would be a massive setback for Rangers if attacker Ianis Hagi joins the list, particularly after getting over his initial struggles.
