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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
David Irvine

Rangers midfielder Hagi called out over 'uninspired' Ibrox loan exit

Rangers midfielder Ianis Hagi has been called out over his "uninspired" decision to leave Ibrox on loan.

The Romanian playmaker joined La Liga side Alaves in the summer with the departure sanctioned by then manager Michael Beale.

Hagi, 25, played 26 times for Alaves this season with a mixed bag of starting appearances and cameo roles from the bench.

Now, the Rangers midfielder has been questioned over his call to leave Glasgow on loan by Romanian pundit Razvan Plesca.

The former goalkeeper suggested Hagi "had to stay at Rangers" as he claimed the midfielder would have had more minutes in Glasgow after Beale was replaced by Philippe Clement.

On the Romanian Football Show, Plesca commented: "I think it was an uninspired decision.

"He had to stay because Rangers also played in the Europa League, they also have the Scottish Cup and the Scottish League Cup, after the coach changed.

"I think he would have certainly caught more moments at Rangers than he did at Alaves."

Hagi has two years left on his Rangers deal and his dad Gheorghe has insisted the midfielder will return to Rangers this summer and won't be sold on a permanent transfer exit.

The Romanian football legend ruled Hagi's move to Alaves as a simple loan with full expectation the player will be back involved at Rangers next season.

"After his season ends, Ianis will be preparing for the Euros and then we will see what he does next in the summer," said Hagi senior.

"At Rangers, he was their best young player when they won the league. He is not going anywhere, he was just loaned to Alaves. There are many opportunities for him."

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