Ibrox View: Clement surely the problem as Rangers ace's future now looks elsewhere

Ianis Hagi is inevitably heading towards a Rangers exit after his father Gheorghe took a swipe at Philippe Clement for his treatment of his son.

The Belgian welcomed Hagi back into the first-team fold at Ibrox following a contract dispute but has been restricted to very few minutes since after he was sent off on his return in the 2-0 win against St Johnstone.

However, his father admitted that Ianis’ talents are wasted at Rangers, as reported via the Daily Record [23 November], and believes the midfielder needs to play for a manager “who loves him”.

He said: “It’s important Ianis finds a manager who loves him and gives him the opportunity to play regularly. Ianis loves this job and I hope he plays as much as possible for his club team.

“I believe he is a very valuable player who has demonstrated that both in Romania and abroad.

“All of us who have played football have gone through hard times, the important thing is to face it up. And he showed in his last match for Romania just how important a player he could be.

“Every single time he gets the opportunity, he delivers. But to prove that you are good, you have to play. He is aware of this.”

Rangers and Ianis Hagi set to part ways

The 26-year-old has not started for the Gers since May 2023 under former boss Michael Beale, but not from a lack of trying; he sacrificed a wage-rise clause in his contract to ensure his return [Daily Record] and yet still finds himself on the fringes.

Even with regular starter Tom Lawrence on the sidelines at Ibrox, there is no place for Hagi in Clement’s plans, which begs the question of why the Belgian values him so lowly in his side.

Hagi has been forced to prove his point on international duty and has excelled with Romania in the UEFA Nations League, picking up an assist and running the show in the 4-1 win against Cyprus on Monday [18 November].

However, no matter how well the midfielder performs, he is not in the long-term plans at Rangers and will be allowed to pursue alternative options in the upcoming January transfer window.

It is a shame to see a player with family ties with the club through his father, Gheorghe, who possesses so much quality, carelessly tossed into the cold when the Gers are desperate for another influx of creativity.

Clement is the master of his own destruction at Ibrox, and this decision is one in a long line of those he will live to regret when he is eventually told to pack his bags in Glasgow.

As for Hagi, he cannot be blamed for wanting to seek pastures new.

In other Rangers news, Willie Collum is adamant on his verdict over contentious Gers and Connor Barron decision.

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