Philippe Clement feels Rangers player power pressure before Hagi u-turn as key Ibrox board members weigh in
Ibrox player power has helped to get Ianis Hagi back in the Rangers first-team squad.
The Light Blues confirmed that the Romanian playmaker was now back training with Philippe Clement’s side. The 25-year-old was dropped down to the Rangers B team before the last transfer window closed with the club looking to move him on. Hagi also had a clause that he was close to triggering if he played a certain amount of games he was due an improved contract. The attacker, who had a loan at Alaves last season, has now agreed to forgo that clause to get back in the fold.
Hagi came back from international duty with Romania and vowed to fight for Rangers’ future. Clement had been reluctant to open the door but has been under increasing pressure from several senior players at the club. They feel that Hagi is a good professional and should be given his chance and that was expressed to several senior figures at the club. Several board members were also keen for the Hagi situation to be resolved.
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The player isn’t anywhere near the higher earners at the club but he is on a good wage and they wanted more for their money he is being paid. Hagi still has a contract until 2026 and if Rangers want to get a fee then they will strengthen their position if he has been playing.
The final decision has been down to manager Clement but players and other senior figures have pushed for Hagi to return. The player has also worked hard and impressed with the Rangers B team and scored twice last week against Huddersfield. He isn’t eligible for the Europa League clash with Lyon on Thursday but could be back in the squad for Sunday’s Premiership clash with St Johnstone.
Meanwhile, Dujon Sterling has been given a Europa League boost by signing a new deal until the summer of 2028.
The 24-year-old moved from Chelsea last year and has now been rewarded with improved terms on a long-term deal.
Sterling said: “It is good to get it over the line, I am obviously proud. The club have rewarded me because they thought my performances were good last season and for me it is just about building on that this season.
“It gives me extra motivation that I want to do more, I have got the reward and now I want to repay the favour. It is a great place to work every day, with a good manager, teammates, staff and fans. It feels like a home and for me there was no reason to change that.”
Rangers are in talks with several players over extensions and a new deal for Scotland international John Souttar is expected to be announced shortly. Manager boss Clement added: “We are delighted that Dujon has committed his future to the club.
“He has become a vital member of the squad over the past year since I came to the club, showing his potential in several positions and always being ready for the team.
"We are going to continue working hard together with him to get everything out of his abilities and believe he will continue to have a big impact on the squad.”