Pundit points to Van Dijk and Celtic after Rangers transfer update from Turkey
Rangers could be forced to sell Ianis Hagi in order to remain self-sustainable, according to Noel Whelan.
The former Aberdeen striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the Gers’ just “can’t compete” with Premier League clubs at present.
According to Turkish outlet En Son Haber last Friday (17 December), Rangers are “preparing to sell Hagi for a serious figure”.
The report also claims the Gers are “knocking on the door of Galatasaray” for midfielder Olimpiu Morutan – a potential replacement for Hagi.
Whelan highlighted Virgil van Dijk and Celtic as an example of the Hoops’ self-sustainable model in recent years.
“Rangers have got to sell players like him in order to be self-sustainable,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“That’s been the case for Celtic too, not just Rangers. As much as they’re giants in Scotland and well-known across Europe, we’ve seen over the years that Celtic will take profits on their best players.
“Their recruitment has been so crucial for them, and that’s the same for Rangers. They buy them, nuture them, develop them – but then when the time is right, they sell them on.
“It just like what happened with Van Dijk at Celtic. Many have come through there and done a great job for them, winning titles at the club.
“It’s just the way of the world right now. Money talks if you are Rangers or Celtic, they just can’t compete with the Premier League clubs at the moment.”
Hagi has scored three goals and registered three assists in 24 Rangers games this term.
The Romania international is contracted until 2024.
In other news, pundit explains “biggest challenge” for Giovanni van Bronckhorst at Rangers after Kemar Roofe’s Instagram reveal.