Rapid Bucharest declare interest in Ianis Hagi after Neil Lennon exit

Rapid Bucharest have said that they are in talks to sign Ianis Hagi from Rangers and that “every club” in his native Romania would want to sign the midfielder.

Hagi spent last season on loan at Alaves after recovering from a serious injury but has found himself out of favour since returning to Ibrox.

Manager Philippe Clement has said that the Romania international is not in his long-term plans and wants surplus players to leave the club in order to free up funds for incoming transfers.

Rapid, who parted company with former Celtic manager Neil Lennon on Tuesday, have appointed Marius Sumudica as the Northern Irishman’s replacement and at a press conference on Wednesday the club heirarchy declared their ambition to add Hagi to the new boss’ playing squad.

The son of Romania’s greatest player Gheorge Hagi, Ianis is a high profile figure in his homeland and Rapid president Viorel Moldovan said they want to bring the 25-year-old home.

“Ianis Hagi is a player of great value and I think that every club in Romania wants him,” Moldovan said. “We will see, we have some discussions from this point of view.

“We’ll see how these talks go… I hope he’ll be interested in coming to Rapid too.

“That’s what’s most important in the end. After all, naturally, who wouldn’t want Ianis Hagi?”

Rapid shareholder Dan Sucu added: “As an answer, yes, we really want him.”

Hagi began his career with Viitorul in his homeland before moving to Fiorentina in 2016. He returned to Viitorul after two years in Italy before moving to Genk where his performances caught Rangers’ eye.

After an initial loan spell, he moved to Ibrox permanently and won the Premiership title as well as reaching the Europa League final with the Light Blues.

Injury struck in January 2022 and the player has effectively been out of the first team picture since.