“Rangers’ Catastrophic £17M Transfer Disaster: Ibrox Collapses into Financial Abyss After Shocking Exit!”

Romanian midfielder Ianis Hagi, 26, has officially left Rangers following a turbulent final season at Ibrox.

Once a fan favourite, Hagi’s departure marks the end of his time with the club, which began in 2020.

Rangers confirmed that Hagi is among six players to be released, including Tom Lawrence and Leon Balogun, whose contracts have also expired.

Additionally, loan players Vaclav Cerny, Neraysho Kasanwirjo, and Rafael Fernandes have returned to their parent clubs.

Hagi’s exit, however, is likely to be the most poignant for supporters. He was initially brought in on loan from Belgian side Genk during the January 2020 transfer window and quickly impressed, prompting Rangers to make the deal permanent at the end of that season for a reported £3 million.

His early impact included memorable performances, notably a standout showing in the Europa League against Braga.

Unfortunately, Hagi’s time in Glasgow was significantly disrupted by a serious cruciate ligament injury, from which he struggled to fully recover.

Since then, he has found it difficult to replicate the form that first endeared him to the Ibrox faithful.

His departure is emblematic of a troubling trend for Rangers—allowing valuable assets to leave for free.

Hagi becomes the latest in a growing list of players who were signed for considerable fees but left without generating any return for the club.

Rangers spent £11 million on Ryan Kent (£7m), Alfredo Morelos (£1m), and Filip Helander (£3m), all of whom departed on free transfers in 2023.

This season, Borna Barisic (£1.5m), John Lundstram (free), and Kemar Roofe (£4.5m) followed the same pattern, adding up to £17 million in players leaving without recouping a transfer fee.

Even players who did generate fees this summer failed to make a significant financial impact.

Rangers managed to offload five players—Connor Goldson, Sam Lammers, Todd Cantwell, Scott Wright, and Robby McCrorie—for a combined total of just £800,000.

This ongoing issue of failing to sell players at the right time has proven costly and highlights the need for a more strategic approach to squad management and transfer policy going forward.

The club simply cannot afford to let high-value signings exit without a return on investment.

Hagi, in parting, offered a heartfelt message to the club and its supporters.

Reflecting on his time at Ibrox, he thanked the staff, teammates, and everyone behind the scenes for their support and professionalism.

Most notably, he expressed gratitude to the fans: “Your passion and loyalty are unmatched. It was an honour to represent this club and play in front of you.”

As Rangers look ahead to a new chapter, Hagi’s departure serves as a reminder of both the club’s recent struggles in the transfer market and the emotional connection players often form with its fanbase.

Moving forward, financial discipline and smarter transfer decisions will be key to ensuring long-term success on and off the pitch.