Maccabi Tel Aviv Nears Signing of Romanian Star Ianis Hagi

Israeli football club Maccabi Tel Aviv is reportedly close to signing Romanian international midfielder Ianis Hagi from Turkish club Alanyaspor. This potential acquisition follows the recent addition of James Tavernier to the squad, as the club aims to bring in another significant player.

Maccabi Tel Aviv is actively pressuring Hagi to finalize personal terms, with negotiations between the Israeli club and Alanyaspor over the transfer fee said to be nearing completion. Sources indicate that former teammates Kenny Miller and James Tavernier, who played with Hagi at Rangers for five years, are involved in persuading the player to join.

Hagi, 27, has reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with his current situation at Alanyaspor, fueling speculation about his departure. His agent, Ioan Becali, stated that Maccabi Tel Aviv is capable of meeting the player's financial demands, estimated between one and 1.2 million euros, and highlighted the club's regular participation in European competitions.

This is not the first time Hagi has been linked with Maccabi Tel Aviv; similar reports emerged last summer, though a move did not materialize. Hagi, son of Romanian football legend Gheorghe Hagi, was signed by Rangers in 2020 for 3.5 million euros but struggled with injuries. He previously played on loan at Spanish club Alaves before returning to Rangers for the 2024/25 season, where he scored four goals and provided seven assists in 24 league appearances. He was a key player for Romania in their Euro 2024 campaign, scoring the winning goal against Israel in November 2023.

Hagi played in all four of Romania's matches at Euro 2024.