RANGERS have lost out in the race for one of their key transfer targets this summer after the player joined one of their old European foes this week.
Albion Rrahmani emerged as a priority target for Philippe Clement’s side in recent weeks with the Belgian keen to add further firepower to his attack before the end of the window.
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Clement now has three recognised centre-forwards in his squad following the arrival of promising striker Hamza Igamane, with Cyriel Dessers and Danilo his only two options when the window opened.
However, with Igamane brought in with an eye for the future, the Belgian was also interested in adding Rrahmani to his ranks but Rangers’ attempts to land him were unsuccessful.
Rapid Bucharest confirmed they had received an official bid from the Gers but it was booted out as it didn’t meet their valuation.
The Romanian side have now reached an agreement to allow the Kosovo star to move on – but his next destination isn’t Ibrox.
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Instead, he has agreed to join Champions League hopefuls Sparta Prague in a deal worth €5million (£4.2m).
Currently managed by former Celtic boss Neil Lennon, Rapid will now need to find a replacement for the star player who netted 17 times in the league last season.
But it might not be the Northern Irishman who will be tasked with finding a successor.
That’s because the two-time Hoops manager is set to be shown the door in Romania after just THREE months in charge of the club.
Pressure is mounting on Lennon in the hot-seat after failing to win any of his first SIX league games in charge.
SunSport understands Rapid chiefs are planning to axe the 53-year-old in the coming days, despite being allowed to bring in 12 new players this summer – including Benjamin Siegrist from his old team Celtic.
But while Lennon is expected to be on his way out of Romania, another familiar name could make a shock move the other way.
Out-of-favour Rangers star Ianis Hagi could be set for a stunning move back to his homeland after emerging as a target for Rapid this week.
Hagi has been demoted to the Gers B team this summer after returning from Euro 2024 and Clement has revealed he is available for transfer, with clubs across Europe reportedly circling the 25-year-old.
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And Turkish outlet Fanatik claim Rapid are ready to take advantage of Hagi’s current situation and pull the trigger to complete a sensational swoop for him.
Rapid now have money to spend following their club record sale of Rrahmani and report suggests they are willing to splash the cash on Hagi to strengthen their squad.
Should Hagi move to Rapid, it would see him go head-to-head with his legendary dad Gheorge, who is currently the manager of league rivals Farul Constanta.
The 25-year-old played under his father at Fiorentina but he could be an opponent of him next season – if Rapid and Rangers manage to thrash out a deal.
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