Romanian legend Gheorghe Hagi has revealed that Glasgow Rangers’ reputation, coupled with Steven Gerrard’s efforts, convinced his son Ianis to move to Ibrox.
Hagi Junior initially joined Rangers on loan from Belgian side KRC Genk in January last year and proved to be an instant hit with the Scottish giants, scoring three goals and registering two assists in 13 games in all competitions.
That was enough to convince Rangers to make the move permanent this summer, paying €3.5m to do so.
However, there was plenty of speculation around the midfielder before the transfer was completed, with numerous reports in Italy indicating that there were several Serie A sides all interested in a deal.
Ultimately, though, Hagi chose to return to Scotland and continue what he’d started, which is something he’s undoubtedly managed with seven assists and one goal in 13 games so far.
And according to his father, Rangers have manager Steven Gerrard to thank for making the deal happen.
“Of course I discuss such topics with my son,” he told Der Standard.
“Decisive for this transfer were both the reputation of the club and the fact that Steven Gerrard and his assistant Gary McAllister wanted Ianis.
“With the qualification for the Europa League, of all things against my ex-club Galatasaray, he celebrated a proper debut and deposited a good mortgage for the season.
“Incidentally, that evening he was the only player born in Istanbul.”
