Philippe Clement isn’t sure what “numbers” Ianis Hagi has in mind if he signs a new contract with Rangers, with the Romanian free to leave the club in the summer.
Hagi is out of contract in the summer after being linked with a winter exit from Rangers, and Clement has confirmed that he will be free to leave in the summer.
The Romanian has regained some form in recent weeks, but talks over a new contract have stalled, with Clement admitting there “will be discussions” about his future.
Speaking to the press, as quoted by Rangers Review [18 January], the Belgian said: “[Hagi] will be out of contract at the conclusion of the season, so there will be conversations about whether or not that is doable.
“I have no idea what figures Ianis has in mind for the club. So that is for their discussions. Of course. I’m pleased with how he has been performing. I knew him from previously; there was a scenario before the season that was out of my control.”
The Rangers cannot afford to lose. Ioannis Hagi
The Light Blues have had a disappointing season, losing the Scottish League Cup and finishing 13 points behind Celtic in the league.
Rangers now have two true remaining possibilities for silverware: the Scottish Cup and the Europa League, although maintaining Hagi will be critical.
Of course, it is only in the short term; Hagi’s long-term future is as important since if the Gers lose him, they will lose their sole source of inventiveness.
Rangers need to develop for the now and the future, and the Romanian playmaker fits the bill in both situations, which is rather surprising given how little he has played this season.
While the present goal must be to sign winter reinforcements, attention must quickly shift to negotiating a new contract for Hagi.
