Michael Beale has told Thursday’s press conference he is delighted Rangers star Ianis Hagi has signed a new Ibrox deal – saying that if he was your son, you would be “proud of him”. Hagi was out of contract at the end of 22-23.
Hagi, 24, has been sidelined since since the injury he suffered a horrific knee issue back in January. Having scored against Aberdeen at Pittodrie in a 1-1 draw, he picked up the issue which required surgery. He has not played since.
Despite that lack of action, Beale has decided to hand him a new deal. The Romania international is back in light training and when he returns, Beale is confident Rangers are going to go up a level. His new deal lasts until 2026.
Beale spoke about Hagi signing a new deal. He said that Hagi’s contractual situation had gone under the radar – but shared his delight to see the attacking midfielder pen new terms. The Rangers boss says he kept in touch with Hagi.
“I’m absolutely delighted Ianis has signed. He is a boy I kept in touch with, one of the only players I kept in touch with – he’s had such a tough year. Fantastic talent, lovely boy, everything you like about someone,” Beale said.
“If he was your son, you’d be so proud. He’s had a tough year, his contract was running out. No-one had really realised that. This is a reward. He’s back in light training, we won’t rush him. When he’s back, we’ll go up a notch.”
Beale delighted Rangers star Hagi has signed a new Ibrox deal
If Hagi is anything like the player he was before his injury, Beale is right. He would be a massive improvement on the options Rangers have on their flanks. Fashion Sakala was poor on Thursday night, even despite his goal.
Having a player like Hagi, or Tom Lawrence back in the team, would be wonderful improvements to a side that are going to get better under Beale. But getting their injured players back, like Hagi, would be excellent for Rangers.
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