Chris Sutton makes Hamza Igamane exit claim at Rangers after what’s been said
Chris Sutton believes Rangers are running a real risk in not offering Hamza Igamane a fresh deal at Ibrox.
The 22-year-old has established himself as a “special” player in Scotland since arriving from FAR Rabat in the summer, exploding onto the scene after a slow start to life in Glasgow.
However, despite Kris Boyd claiming live on Sky Sports Main Event (9 January, 7:40pm) that the Gers shouldn’t consider a new contract so soon after his arrival, Sutton rebutted his stance, citing the growing interest in his signature.
He said: “But is there not a risk, with him hot at this moment of time, that if you don’t give him the level of wage others are on, then he says at the end of the season, ‘I’m off’?”
Rangers must do everything to keep hold of Hamza Igamane
In a season full of so many lows for Rangers, Igamane has been one of the few shining lights in an otherwise disappointing year.
The Moroccan international has indeed displaced Cyriel Dessers in the starting lineup at Ibrox, with his Europa League displays stealing the limelight.
However, his efforts this campaign have caught the eye of sides across Europe, most notably the Premier League, with Everton showing a strong interest in the forward [TBR Football].
West Ham, Bournemouth, Brentford, Fulham and Newcastle United are also monitoring Igamane, and a bidding war south of the border could break out for the Gers starlet this month.
Rangers are in a position where they stand to make a “fantastic” profit for the forward, and while this would help Philippe Clement fund his long-term rebuilding project in Glasgow, a sale now should be out of the question.
Except for Vaclav Cerny, Igamane is the only consistent goalscorer in the squad, and forfeiting his contributions for profit in January would mean hanging up the boots at Ibrox until next season.
He will undoubtedly be one of the most sought-after prospects in the summer, and should the Light Blues tie down Igamane on fresh terms, potentially with a healthy release clause, their position would be strong enough to fund yet another squad rebuild.
Or better yet, build a side capable of challenging Celtic, with Igamane as the focal point.
In other Rangers news, the Light Blues make an approach for a new midfielder on a free transfer.
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