Rangers – at the second time of asking following Genk’s faux pas – announced the permanent signing of Ianis Hagi on a “long-term deal” on their official website as Steven Gerrard strengthens his squad to finally topple Celtic at the top of Scottish football.
There has never been much doubt about the transfer being completed with both Hagi and his agent at pains to emphasis his desire to stay and develop further in Glasgow under the watchful eye of Gerrard.
Despite interest from Italy and Spain, the playmaker has put pen to paper on a deal costing Rangers in the region of £3m, plus add ons, after Ross Wilson was able to negotiate the price down from a rumoured £4.45m as part of the exclusive option to buy.
Wilson praised Genk for their handling of the transfer with the ever changing financial environment of football clear for all to see:
“We secured an exclusive option in January and in recent weeks we have worked with Genk to find a new solution that works for everyone now, given how much the world has changed in the last few months.”
The player himself was obviously delighted to get the move completed and – in a noticeable change of direction from the club – gave exclusive interviews to The Athletic’s Rangers correspondent and Heart and Hand – The Rangers Podcast rather than the mainstream Scottish media.
Speaking to the Rangers media team, he said:
“I am excited about re-joining the squad for pre-season and putting on the famous shirt once again. There was interest from other clubs, but my priority was always to return to Glasgow and play for Rangers.
“I really enjoyed my loan spell at Ibrox and look forward to playing in front of our fans very soon, but for now I hope all of the Rangers fans and your families are staying safe and well.”
Gers fans will be delighted to have the first piece of the jigsaw installed for, probably, the biggest season in the club’s history and if Hagi can replicate his performance against Braga more often – it will no doubt be one of the most successful.