Ianis Hagi insists Alaves loan is not the end of his Rangers journey

The midfielder has moved to Spain on a season-long loan deal

Published 28th Aug 2023

Rangers midfielder Ianis Hagi has told fans his loan move to LaLiga side Alaves is not the end of his Ibrox journey.

The Romania international has scored 16 goals in 99 appearances for the club but has only made four starts since returning from a serious knee injury in January.

The 24-year-old has made just two substitute appearances this season, coming on in the 89th minute against Servette at Ibrox and playing 33 minutes in the 2-1 Viaplay Cup win against Morton.

A loan departure looked likely after he was left out of Michael Beale's Champions League squad ahead of the play-off against PSV Eindhoven.

On Sunday his season-long loan deal to Alaves was confirmed by both clubs.

Hagi took to Instagram stating: "I was just a kid signing for this amazing, unique football club and my dream was to represent the club in the best way possible on the European stage and deliver trophies.

"Because ultimately that's what I thought will make me fall in love with the club and make me happy. Well, I managed to do that, but that wasn't it.

"It was you, the fans! The unconditional support, the pressure, the songs, the traveling and most importantly the way you defended our home, Ibrox. The one stadium in the world that can fly for a full 90 min. Ibrox baby, it's just different!

"This is definitely not a goodbye, we'll meet again someday I'm sure, but until then, go smash it! Once a Ranger, always a Ranger!"

A club statement read: "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."

Hagi signed an extended contract in December last year, with his deal said to run until the summer of 2026.