Philippe Clement confirms 'negotiations' with 26-year-old in final six months of contract
Today at 05:56 AM
Philippe Clement has been clear that Rangers will need to box clever in the transfer market if they're to go the distance in the Scottish Premiership.
The Ibrox side's questionable spending of the last three seasons has finally come home to roost with the Gers going through a period of downsizing under the Belgian manager.
As a result of budgetary issues, one of the club's longest serving and more talented players in Ianis Hagi was rotting in the reserves.
Now back in Rangers colours and putting in his finest performance of the season in the 3-0 demolition of Aberdeen, Clement has now confirmed the player is in the final six months of his current deal.
Philippe Clement confirms Ianis Hagi 'negotiations'
Rangers have made it clear that the club's previous contract and transfer model was not sustainable and this summer set about a substantial cost-cutting exercise.
Reducing the wage bill by £6m per season, Rangers got rid of several high earners and more are expected to follow in this window and the next.
With Rabbi Matondo and Kieran Dowell heading the list, Turkish Super Lig outfit Besiktas are also considering Tom Lawrence.
It may well free up wages to sign down Ianis Hagi, with Philippe Clement confirming the Romanian is out of contract in the summer with 'negotiations' in the pipeline.
The news comes after Hagi was reinstated to the first-team in October following the re-negotiation of a wage increase in the player's contract.
"He will be end of contract at the end of the season," said Clement.
"So there will be negotiations around that, if it's possible or not.
"I don't have a clue what numbers that Ianis has in mind or the club so that's discussions between them."
Ianis Hagi has 'put water in the wine' at Rangers
Ianis Hagi has impressed Rangers fans on a number of fronts in recent months.
Firstly, the 26-year-old Romanian international's application in the face of demotion to the Rangers B team and his patience whilst contract issues were resolved showed immense maturity and commitment.
To stay focused on his football after years of tumultuous upheaval, stemming back to a cruciate ligament injury in January 2022, displayed a Rangers class which resonated with Ibrox fans.
But to have also then come back into the team and showed his quality, Ianis Hagi has proven his ability to unpick defences and provide big moments himself in front of goal.
Philippe Clement was asked about Hagi's impressive return to the Rangers first-team fold and admits that he's delighted all parties came together to 'put water in the wine'.
"Of course I'm happy what he's been performing," said Clement.
"I knew already from before. There was the situation before the season that was out of my hands.
"I'm happy that with discussions in the club that everybody was willing from his side and from the club's side to put water in the wine.
"To come together and find a solution for that and it's been beneficial for the team clearly."
