Rangers’ decision to part ways with Ianis Hagi is beginning to look increasingly questionable, with the attacking midfielder rediscovering his best form at Alanyaspor.
After a mixed spell at Ibrox, Hagi departed the Scottish giants by mutual consent at the end of the 2024/25 season. At the time, the move felt logical for both parties. Injuries had disrupted his rhythm, and his influence had waned significantly compared to his explosive early performances in Glasgow.
But fast forward to now, and the narrative is starting to shift.
A Fresh Start Paying Off
Hagi initially struggled to find a new club after leaving Rangers, spending a few months as a free agent before eventually signing for Alanyaspor in the Turkish Super Lig.
That move has proven to be exactly what he needed.
Now 27, Hagi has become a key figure for his new side, contributing five goals and two assists in 25 appearances across all competitions this season. More importantly, he has stayed fit—something that eluded him during crucial periods of his Rangers career.
His performances have been consistently impressive. Averaging 1.7 shots per game and 1.5 key passes, Hagi has been central to Alanyaspor’s attacking play. His creativity, vision, and technical ability have once again come to the fore, reminding many of the player Rangers thought they had secured back in 2020.
The Promise Rangers Once Saw
When Hagi first arrived at Rangers from Genk, there was genuine excitement.
His debut full season (2020/21) yielded eight goals and 13 assists, marking him out as one of the most promising attacking midfielders in Scotland. At that point, it seemed like Rangers had found a long-term creative force.
However, injuries and inconsistency derailed his progress. Over time, his role diminished, and he struggled to maintain a regular starting spot.
By the time his departure was confirmed in May 2025, it felt like the right decision—but perhaps also an opportunity lost.
Current Struggles at Ibrox
Under Danny Röhl, Rangers are still competing strongly, but there are clear signs that their attacking depth is not as strong as it could be.
Young talents like Mikey Moore and Yousef Chermiti have shown flashes of quality, but consistency remains an issue.
Elsewhere, players such as Thelo Aasgaard and Andreas Skov Olsen have yet to fully meet expectations, while others are still adapting to the demands of Scottish football.
This lack of reliable attacking output has become a growing concern—one that makes Hagi’s resurgence all the more noticeable.
What Rangers Might Be Missing
Hagi’s current form suggests he could have offered something valuable to this Rangers side.
Even if not a guaranteed starter, his creativity, set-piece ability, and experience would likely have added depth and versatility—qualities that seem to be lacking at times this season.
His ability to create chances, score from distance, and unlock defences could have made a difference in tight matches, particularly when Rangers have struggled to break teams down.
A Case of Timing—or Regret?
Of course, it’s easy to reassess decisions in hindsight.
At the time of his departure, Hagi’s injury record and declining influence made the decision understandable. Rangers needed reliability, and Hagi simply couldn’t provide it consistently.
But football often comes down to timing—and right now, the Romanian looks like a player reborn.
The Bigger Picture
For Rangers, the focus remains on the present and their push in the Scottish Premiership. However, Hagi’s resurgence serves as a reminder of the fine margins involved in squad building.
Letting go of talented players always carries risk—especially when they still have something to prove.
For Hagi, the move to Alanyaspor has been a chance to reset, rebuild, and remind everyone of his quality.
For Rangers, it may just be a case of wondering what might have been.
A Revival That Raises Questions
Ianis Hagi’s performances in Turkey are doing more than just boosting Alanyaspor—they’re reigniting a debate.
Did Rangers let him go too soon?
Right now, based on form alone, it’s a question that’s becoming harder to ignore.
