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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Jonny McFarlane

Ianis Hagi departs Rangers on loan to La Liga club in search of first team football

Ianis Hagi has departed Rangers for a year on loan with Spanish side Alaves.

The deal with the La Liga outfit is completed subject to international clearance.

Hagi had been frustrated at his lack of first-team opportunities this season after coming back fully fit following over a year out of action with an ACL injury.

A statement from Rangers said: "Everyone at Rangers wishes Ianis well for his loan spell which provides him with a fantastic opportunity for regular football having spent almost a year out through injury."

The 24-year-old initially joined Rangers on a loan in January 2020 from Belgian side Genk before sealing a £3m move the following summer. He is contracted to 2026 at Ibrox having signed a new contract earlier this year.

Hagi outlined his situation with a passionate defence of his position following the League Cup win over Morton.

He said: "Look, I think every football player wants to play. I am obviously disappointed about the situation that I am [in]. But I respect the gaffers’ decisions. That doesn’t mean that I agree with them, but I respect them.

"He is the football manager of this football club. You know, I am a simple guy and I just love football. I train 100 per cent on a daily basis, I have come back from a one-year injury. They know who I am, they know my history at this football club and what I did. You know, I just want to play football"

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