Sealed Deal: Red Star Belgrade Land Ianis Hagi After Rangers Exit
Red Star Belgrade have pulled off one of the most surprising coups of the transfer window, securing the signature of 26-year-old Romanian playmaker Ianis Hagi. The move comes after Hagi’s contract with Rangers expired earlier this summer, making him one of the most talked-about free agents in European football. What began as quiet speculation soon developed into one of the most captivating storylines of the season, and now it has ended with Red Star unveiling one of their most high-profile additions in recent years.
Hagi’s arrival in Belgrade is more than just a transfer—it is a statement of intent. The Serbian giants, long recognized for their ability to nurture technical talent and compete fiercely in European competitions, have shown that they are ready to strengthen their creative core with a player whose footballing pedigree is unquestionable. Son of legendary Romanian midfielder Gheorghe Hagi, Ianis has carried the weight of expectation since his teenage years. Over the past several seasons at Rangers, he has displayed flashes of brilliance, combining vision, composure, and an eye for decisive passes that make him a constant threat in the final third.
For Rangers, parting ways with Hagi was not an easy decision, but his injury setbacks and the club’s changing tactical direction meant that both sides agreed it was time for a fresh start. Still, Hagi left Glasgow with his reputation intact, having been part of a squad that secured major domestic honors and competed consistently in Europe. When news broke that he would not be renewing his deal, several clubs across the continent quickly signaled interest. Turkish sides, Italian mid-table outfits, and even teams from Spain were rumored to be circling. Yet it was Red Star who acted decisively, sensing both the opportunity and the symbolism of bringing in a player of his stature.
Hagi himself is said to have been drawn to the prospect of playing in Belgrade by the club’s passionate support and their track record in European competitions. Red Star’s ambitions of making another strong Champions League run align perfectly with Hagi’s personal goals of testing himself at the highest level while also maintaining a central role in his team’s attacking plans. For a player seeking both a platform and responsibility, the Serbian champions offered the ideal balance.
The signing has already sent shockwaves through Balkan football. Red Star fans, who pride themselves on their club’s ability to attract top talent despite fierce competition from larger leagues, see Hagi as a player who can make an immediate difference. His ability to operate between the lines, pick out strikers with precision, and even contribute with goals from distance will add a new layer to Red Star’s attacking arsenal.
For manager Barak Bachar, Hagi’s arrival provides tactical flexibility. He can slot in as an advanced midfielder, a wide playmaker, or even deeper in a creative pivot when the team needs to dictate tempo. His versatility, combined with his hunger to prove himself after leaving Rangers, makes him a valuable asset in both domestic and European competitions.
Ultimately, the move marks a fresh beginning for Hagi and a bold leap forward for Red Star. In an era where free transfers often involve calculated risks, this deal feels like a genuine win-win. For Hagi, it is a chance to reignite his career in a football-mad city that thrives on big occasions. For Red Star, it is proof that they can still attract players with global recognition, underlining their position as a force in Eastern European football.
With the ink dry on the contract, the focus now turns to the pitch. Fans will be eager to see whether Ianis Hagi can deliver the spark that takes Red Star to new heights.
