McLeish issues verdict on Rangers signing ‘like-for-like’ Hagi replacement after update
Alex McLeish has insisted Giovanni van Bronckhorst will look to “put his stamp” on the Rangers side in the hunt for Ianis Hagi’s replacement.
The former Gers boss, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested the Gers may not sign someone who is “like-for-like”.
Speaking at his press conference on Tuesday (25 January), Van Bronckhorst confirmed Rangers are “looking to add a player to the squad” following Hagi’s crushing injury blow.
The Romania international is out for the season after undergoing surgery on a knee injury suffered against Stirling Albion.
McLeish suggested this could be a chance for Van Bronckhorst to recruit someone who fits into his system perfectly.
McLeish told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “The big factor Giovanni will be thinking about is: ‘Can I bring someone who’s going to improve it? Or am I just filling a hole, just keeping the numbers high?’
“He’s a pretty shrewd coach who would want to bring someone in who can really make a difference. Whether Rangers are ready to plunge into the market remains to be seen.
“He’s not necessarily going to go like-for-like and say: ‘I must get a player like Ianis.’ It could create a problem when Ianis comes back to fitness. Who do you play?
“This is where we’ll see what Giovanni’s thoughts are for the foreseeable future. As to where he sees his Rangers team going forward as opposed to Steven Gerrard’s team.
“Van Bronckhorst will want to put his stamp on it at some particular stage.”
Hagi has played 27 times for Rangers this season, with four goals and four assists under his belt.
Academy product Alex Lowry replaced Hagi in the 4-0 win over Stirling Albion.
In other news, pundit explains “biggest challenge” for Giovanni van Bronckhorst at Rangers after Kemar Roofe’s Instagram reveal.