Rangers ‘doing all they can to agree Ianis Hagi deal’ after talks update
Rangers are determined to agree terms over a new contract for Ianis Hagi despite ongoing speculation about his long-term future at Ibrox.
That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the club’s financial issues have made keeping their best players “crucial”.
Hagi’s current deal is set to expire at the end of June, and he has been available to discuss a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs since the start of January.
Football Insider revealed on 15 February that multiple European clubs are preparing moves to sign the Rangers midfielder when his contract runs out.
Given the ongoing financial issues behind the scenes at Rangers, there are concerns that they may not be able to match the deals on offer from the likes of Italian outfit Genoa.
However, the Ibrox club are hoping they can convince him to remain in Glasgow beyond the end of the season as he has become a key part of their side.
Football Insider revealed on 9 February that Rangers have opened talks over Hagi’s contract renewal after he broke his way back into Philippe Clement’s starting XI.
Rangers make Ianis Hagi contract decision amid financial concern
Rangers’ financial issues have led to concerns that they will struggle to replace Hagi if he leaves for free, and are determined to ensure they are not put in that position.
Brown, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted that it would be a “big blow” for them to lose a key player on a free transfer this summer.
“I hear they’re determined to tie him down to a new deal,” he told Football Insider.
“They have to make decisions about who their best players are.
“I remember Hagi being mentioned a lot a couple of seasons ago, and then when I saw him, it’s clear he’s got some talent.
“The problem is, he floats around in this loose fashion which requires the players to give him the ball – he’s not going to be chasing and going after it.
“With people like that in the side, you’re always vulnerable to some difficulties.
“He can do something a bit special, and then drop out of the game and it’s almost like they’re playing with ten men.
“So they have to make a decision, on balance, about his role in the team.
“Another problem at Rangers, though, is their financial situation.
“If they let Hagi go, they’re going to have to spend money on a replacement, where they’d rather keep him and use the money on more pressing matters.
“To lose a key player on a free while you’re struggling financially is a big blow.
“So that will certainly play a part.
“I think there will be some consideration to it, but I’m expecting they’ll do everything they can to get him on a new deal rather than lose him for free.
“In normal circumstances, they might have to question it a bit, but the way things are there they can’t be letting first-team players leave for free.”
While contract talks are expected to take place off the pitch, concerns are continuing to grow about the team’s results and the direction in which they are headed.
Having been knocked out of the Scottish Cup by lower-league Queens Park at Ibrox recently, Rangers fell to a 2-0 defeat against St Mirren on 22 February which piled on the misery.
They remain 13 points behind Celtic in the SPFL, and there is a belief that Clement will be sacked if they lose in the Europa League knockout stages.
Following the defeat to St Mirren, Football Insider reported that Clement expects to be sacked by Rangers, while Sean Dyche has been tipped to replace the Ibrox boss.
For more Rangers and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.