As the transfer window slams shut on Friday, Rangers fans find themselves at a crossroads with two of the club’s more enigmatic figures: Todd Cantwell and Ianis Hagi. Both players, for very different reasons, are on the brink of departure. The circumstances surrounding their exits tell two very distinct stories of ambition, frustration, and the difficult balancing act of modern football.
Todd Cantwell: Time to Say Goodbye
Todd Cantwell’s relationship with Rangers has been a rollercoaster from the start, and it seems that the ride is finally over. After heart-to-heart discussions with manager Philippe Clement, Cantwell made it clear that his time in Scotland has come to an end. He’s expressed his desire to leave Ibrox, citing a general discontent with life in Scotland—not just at Rangers, but the country as a whole.
Read our earlier story: Todd Cantwell’s Impending Transfer: Assessing the Decision for Rangers
For many fans, this news is no surprise. Cantwell’s tenure at the club has been marked by flashes of brilliance overshadowed by inconsistency and off-the-pitch drama. His social media antics and perceived lack of commitment have tested the patience of the Ibrox faithful. This isn’t the first time Cantwell has found himself in this position either; his exit from Norwich City followed a similar pattern, leaving many to wonder if the player himself might be the common denominator in these sagas.
From a managerial perspective, keeping a player who wants out is a recipe for disaster. Any dip in form would see the blame land squarely on the manager’s shoulders, and having a discontented player in the dressing room could be disastrous for team morale. The sooner Cantwell is offloaded, the better—for both him and the club.
Blackburn Rovers have reportedly shown interest in the midfielder, and a move back to the Championship might be the fresh start Cantwell needs. For Rangers, his departure will open up the possibility of bringing in a new playmaker, one fully committed to the cause and ready to lead the charge for domestic silverware.
Ianis Hagi: A Tale of Talent and Tough Decisions
Ianis Hagi’s situation is a stark contrast to that of Cantwell. Hagi doesn’t want to leave Ibrox; in fact, he’s eager to stay and prove his worth. However, the financials of his contract and the tactical demands of Philippe Clement’s system seem to be conspiring against him.
Read our earlier story:- Ianis Hagi: A Rangers Journey Coming to an End
Clement’s high-pressing, high-intensity style requires players with pace and stamina—attributes that Hagi, despite his undeniable talent, doesn’t quite fit into. The number 10 role, so crucial in this setup, demands a player who can press relentlessly, ensuring that the striker isn’t isolated and the opposition can’t easily bypass the midfield. Unfortunately, Hagi’s game isn’t built on pace, which has seen him struggle to secure a place in the starting XI.
But the issues don’t end with tactical fit. There’s a financial dimension to Hagi’s potential departure that’s crucial to understand. If Hagi plays another game, it triggers a clause in his contract that would see his salary increase beyond what Rangers’ new business model can accommodate. This model has seen the club offload top earners and avoid financial pitfalls of the past, and they’re not about to abandon it now—not even for a player of Hagi’s caliber.
To make matters more complicated, there’s reportedly a six-figure payment due to Genk, Hagi’s former club, if he reaches a certain number of appearances. This looming payment has only added to the club’s reluctance to field him, further pushing him towards the exit.
Over the weekend, Ianis Hagi reportedly turned down a move to Rapid Bucharest, a club linked with him amid speculation surrounding his future at Rangers. Despite the potential opportunity to return to his homeland, Hagi made it clear that he has no intention of joining Rapid, further fueling the narrative that he wants to stay and fight for his place at Ibrox.
Hagi’s father, the legendary Gheorghe Hagi, has been vocal in his criticism of Rangers’ treatment of his son, branding it as “ugly” and unfair. However, no matter the sentiment, Rangers must prioritise the long-term health of the club over individual players. The decision to potentially let Hagi go isn’t easy, but it may be necessary.
Forget what Rangers say, it’s what I say that counts.
He has a contract with Rangers first and what has happened with him at Rangers is a story…an ugly story from the people responsible.
It’s ugly.
This is a player who went there when he was young, was their best player and then got injured.
He fought back and what happened? He’s training on his own or whoever he’s training with “But when something like this happens in Western Europe, we are told, what claims do you have if you are from Romania?
Excuse me, what would I know? I played at the highest level even though I’m from Romania.
At one point I just said to them ‘shut up.’
He won’t come here because he has proved he can be at Rangers. He was their best player.
Gheorghe Hagi, FCV Farul Constanta Manager and Owner
The Bigger Picture: What’s Best for Rangers?
As Rangers navigate these final days of the transfer window, the cases of Cantwell and Hagi highlight the delicate balance between maintaining squad harmony, adhering to a sustainable business model, and chasing success on the pitch.
Cantwell’s departure feels inevitable and, frankly, necessary. For a club with ambitions as high as Rangers, there’s no room for passengers. His exit will hopefully bring in a player more aligned with the club’s goals and philosophy.
Hagi’s situation is more bittersweet. His departure, should it happen, will feel like a loss of potential unrealised at Ibrox. Yet, the club’s financial stability and tactical evolution must take precedence. In a way, his exit would be a testament to Rangers’ commitment to learning from past mistakes and building a more sustainable future.
The transfer window is closing fast, and by this time next week, we may be looking at a very different Rangers squad. One thing is certain: no player, regardless of their past contributions or potential, is bigger than the club. And that’s the way it has to be if Rangers are to continue their march towards glory.