Ianis Hagi’s recent rise back to prominence at Rangers is nothing short of a testament to his character, ability, and resilience. The Romanian international’s journey has been a rollercoaster, characterized by setbacks, doubts, and ultimately a triumphant return to form.
When Mick Beale decided to loan out Hagi, it seemed like another chapter in the player’s troubled time at Rangers. Having struggled for consistent form, particularly after his return from a serious knee injury in 2021, Hagi found himself marginalized. His relegation to the reserves, the loss of his coveted number seven shirt to Oscar Cortes, and being moved on loan to Deportivo Alaves felt like the culmination of a frustrating period. It was a stark contrast to the high hopes surrounding his arrival at Ibrox in 2020. Hagi had shown glimpses of his brilliance during his early years at Rangers, but after his injury, there was a noticeable dip in his performances.
When Philippe Clement took over as manager, the situation didn’t improve much for Hagi. The Belgian coach, in a somewhat blunt manner, appeared to distance himself from Hagi, with reports suggesting that Rangers were even considering tearing up his contract. It seemed that the club had made up its mind about the Romanian’s future, and it was clear that Hagi was on the periphery of the first-team squad. For many, it seemed like Hagi’s days at Rangers were numbered.
However, despite all the negativity and uncertainty surrounding him, Hagi never gave up. His determination to reclaim a place in the starting XI, especially when many others would have thrown in the towel, is a clear indication of his mental toughness. When the opportunity came in December 2024 for Hagi to return to the first team, he grabbed it with both hands.
The impact was almost immediate. From the moment Hagi re-entered the lineup, Rangers’ fortunes seemed to change. The numbers are hard to ignore: Rangers’ win percentage increased from 62% to 75% once Hagi returned to the fold, and the team went from averaging 1.5 goals per game to 2.6 with him in the lineup. These statistics not only underscore Hagi’s importance but also highlight how vital his creativity and attacking flair are to Rangers’ success. His contribution wasn’t just in terms of goals and assists, though—his mere presence on the pitch seemed to elevate the entire team.
Paul Slane, a former Celtic and Motherwell midfielder turned pundit, expressed his surprise at the level of talent Hagi has displayed. Slane acknowledged Hagi’s technical abilities but admitted he hadn’t fully appreciated how good Hagi truly was. The player’s ability to dribble, link up play, and create chances has become indispensable for Rangers, and it’s clear that he’s a player capable of producing moments of magic. Slane’s comments highlight how Hagi has taken many by surprise, including those who were initially skeptical about his abilities.
The journey Hagi has taken to reach this point is a sobering reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in football. The fickle nature of the sport means that even a player with undeniable talent can find himself on the sidelines through no fault of his own. Hagi’s career seemed to be heading into a cul-de-sac, with his injury woes and subsequent lack of form threatening to derail his time at Rangers. The Romanian, once a bright prospect, had become a forgotten man at Ibrox. Yet, his fight to turn things around has been nothing short of inspirational.
Kris Boyd, a former Rangers striker and now a pundit, has been one of Hagi’s biggest supporters throughout this challenging period. Boyd has praised Hagi’s resilience and hard work, recognizing that many players would have given up given the circumstances. Boyd also pointed out that Hagi’s recent performances have put him in a position where a potential move away from Rangers could be on the cards, with his stock rising once again. If Hagi were to leave, Boyd believes he would command a much better move than he would have a few months ago, with several clubs likely to take notice of his revival at Ibrox.
Hagi’s future at Rangers remains uncertain, with his contract winding down. It is clear, however, that he has fought his way back into relevance and, in doing so, has given himself a better chance of securing a move away from Ibrox if he decides to leave. Rangers, who have struggled to get the best out of several attacking players in recent seasons, may find it difficult to let go of Hagi, especially given how crucial he has become to their attacking play. But for Hagi, the most important thing is that he’s once again in control of his destiny, something that looked uncertain just a few months ago.
In a season that has seen Rangers go through their share of ups and downs, Hagi’s return to form is a beacon of hope. His technical brilliance, his ability to change a game, and his determination to fight through adversity make him one of the most intriguing players in the Scottish Premiership right now. Hagi’s story is one of redemption, and it serves as a reminder that, in football, things can change in an instant. He has proven that with hard work, resilience, and a little bit of luck, even the most difficult of situations can be turned around.
In the coming months, it will be fascinating to see where Hagi’s future lies. Whether he stays at Rangers or moves on, one thing is for certain: the Romanian has once again shown why he was considered one of the brightest talents in European football not so long ago. And, for Rangers fans, there will be a sense of gratitude that they didn’t let this talented player slip through their fingers. Hagi’s revival has been one of the most compelling stories in Scottish football this season, and it will be exciting to see what the future holds for him.