Several Serie A clubs have set their sights on Rangers playmaker Ianis Hagi, as the Romanian talent is rumored to be considering a return to Italy following a difficult 18-month spell with the Ibrox side.
According to Italian journalist Rudy Galetti, who reports for TV Dello Sport, a number of top-five league clubs are actively exploring the possibility of signing Ianis Hagi. This development follows earlier reports during the summer linking Italian Serie A club Lecce, under their new manager, to the talented playmaker, who has been valued at €4m (£3.5m).
Hagi previously had a stint in Italy’s Serie A with Fiorentina, joining the club as a teenager in 2016. Galetti suggests that there may be updates from Italy regarding Hagi’s future in the “next few days,” as Rangers continue to reshape their squad ahead of the upcoming season.
Galetti shared, “There is new info on the Rangers side. Some clubs in Serie A are following Ianis Hagi. After his experience at Fiorentina, there is an opportunity to return to Italy. At the moment, it’s just preliminary contacts, but let’s keep an eye on the illustrious son that, in the next few days, could be at the heart of some market events.”
Hagi has endured a challenging period, highlighted by a devastating cruciate ligament injury in January 2022. The injury prevented him from participating in the Europa League Final and coincided with a decline in Rangers’ domestic form. The absence of the star was felt deeply by the club, as he had been emerging as a key player before his setback. Nevertheless, Rangers have displayed their support for Hagi by offering him a new contract upon his return towards the end of the season.
However, the links to Serie A clubs present an interesting juncture in Hagi’s career, as he seeks regular playing time to continue his development. If a greater opportunity awaits him in Italy, it may be enough to turn his head away from Rangers. Notably, there were also previous rumors connecting Hagi with Aberdeen earlier in the transfer window, which have since been dismissed by the Scottish press.
As the transfer market unfolds, the future of Ianis Hagi remains uncertain, with the allure of a return to Serie A potentially shaping the next chapter of his footballing journey.