Ianis Hagi wasn’t involved in Rangers’ 4-0 win over FCSB on Thursday because Philippe Clement left him out of the Europa League squad.
Prior to the European clash at Ibrox, FCSB defender Mihai Popescu stated he was unhappy with Hagi’s situation at Rangers.
The Romania international has been limited to one appearance for the Scottish club this season. That was in Rangers’ 2-0 win over St. Johnstone earlier this month, and he assisted Vaclav Cerny’s goal.
Philippe Clement hasn’t included the 26-year-old in the squad this season. Dumitru Dumitriu, who managed FCSB, AEK Athens, Romania [assistant] and other clubs, has discussed Hagi’s situation with Golazo.ro.
The winger’s contract at Ibrox lasts until 2026, but Dumitriu has urged his compatriot to leave Rangers to save to his career.
“I think in the end he’ll get what he deserves. He is a good player, a footballer who can play for several teams in Europe, so he should not stay there. My belief is that he should go, but not on loan. He should leave permanently, be bought and used,” he said.
Rangers allowed him to spend last season on loan at Deportivo Alavés, but Hagi struggled to shine. Golazo.ro asked the former manager why a permanent transfer would help Hagi instead of a loan move.
Responding to that, Dumitriu explained: “When a club buys you, it shows they trust you. And Ianis needs that. He’s a talented player, passes well with both feet, shoots hard. He has many qualities, he’s a top footballer. But he had this bad luck with the injury. Now let’s not think that they should quit. No way.”
Hagi’s father, Gheorghe, isn’t pleased with the situation at Rangers. He’s been vocal about it and Dumitriu understands why.
“Gică defends his child, and I think that’s understandable. Most of us would do the same. Especially since he’s certain that Ianis is wronged. And that he deserves to play for the Scottish first team,” he added.
There’s been rumours of Galatasaray interest in the Rangers player and Dumitriu has backed him to move to Turkey.
“Yes, sure. Ianis doesn’t need to prove anything anymore. He needs to be at full strength and have confidence. When that happens, then he can play for any team in Europe. Not the top teams in the world, Manchester City, Real Madrid, but the second category, he can play without any problems,” Dumitriu said.
“Of course, expectations will be higher in Turkey, because people will compare him to his father, but he will manage.”
