Ianis Hagi returns to Rangers first team squad after positive talks

Ianis Hagi has returned to training with the Rangers first team squad after positive talks with the club.

The Romanian attacking midfielder spent last season on loan at Deportivo Alaves and played for his national side at Euro 2024.

Instead of returning to the Rangers first team squad this summer, he was told that he did not have a long-term future at Ibrox and was advised to find another club. Hagi remained in Scotland beyond the end of the transfer window but has been training with the Rangers B team.

The 25-year-old, who has played 99 times for the club, has now held discussions with the club and returned to the first team fold.

Though Hagi is not registered as part of the Europa League squad and unable to play against Lyon on Thursday, he could return to Philippe Clement’s match squad for the Premiership match against St Johnstone on Sunday.

The decision marks a sharp turnaround for a player who appeared to be completely absent from his manager’s plans.

After he failed to secure a move before deadline day, and Rangers signed Nedim Bajrami, Clement said the player had been told his position was clear.

“We spoke about that months ago,” the manager said. “We were really open and honest with him and his agent that we don’t see him becoming the next No 10 for Rangers for the next couple of years, so to look out for other opportunities.

“That story stays the same and, for sure, with Bajrami now in the building, you have this situation.”

💙 @DujonSterling1

📝 #RangersFC are today delighted to announce that Dujon Sterling has signed a contract extension which will keep him at the club until May 2028.

All the info 👇
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) October 1, 2024

Rangers have had a further boost with news that Dujon Sterling has signed a new contract with the club.

The former Chelsea player has shown his value and versatility in a number of roles, in defence and midfield, since joining Rangers in 2023 and he has been rewarded with a new deal that runs until 2028.

Sterling, who has made over 30 appearances for the club, was delighted to commit his future.

He 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.”

Philippe Clement said: “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.”