Martin ‘facing Rangers nightmare already’ as Ibrox exit news emerges
Russell Martin could already have a major problem on his hands at Rangers.
The former Southampton and Swansea City boss has only just got his feet under the table at Ibrox, but his concerns already seem to be mounting as he looks to strengthen his squad for the upcoming campaign.
The 39-year-old recently received a boost as Rangers confirmed the signing of Max Aarons, but Martin will be well aware that much more will be needed if his side are to have any hope of closing the gap to their city rivals next term.
He is also facing the threat of high-profile exits from the Govan club, with the likes of Cyriel Dessers and Nicolas Raskin drawing transfer interest from elsewhere.
Igamane exit creates Champions League ‘nightmare’ for Martin
Hamza Igamane is the latest man to have taken a huge step towards departing Rangers, and that really couldn’t have come at a worse time for Martin.
The Bears will line up against Greek giants Panathinaikos in a Champions League qualifier on 22 June, in what is a hugely important tie for the club, both in a footballing and a financial sense.
That clash is now just 25 days away, which highlights the Igamane and Dessers situations as a major issue for Martin, according to Andrew Newport of the Daily Record (27 June).
“The former Southampton gaffer (Martin) only got to make his introductions to his squad on Monday,” Newport said in his article.
“And now, not even a week later, he’s faced with the nightmare prospect of having to wave goodbye to one of his key men before he’s even finished memorising all his players’ names.”
Igamane is being chased by several top European clubs, but Newport added that the Moroccan has already agreed personal terms on a move to Lille.
He also noted the fact that it may be worthwhile for Rangers to try and delay the sale going through until after their continental tie.
“Martin may be able to get by without AEK Athens target Cyriel Dessers, but there’s little chance he’ll be able to replace both his starting strikers and then get the new recruits integrated into his bold style in that short period,” Newport said.
“So that’s why he’ll be keen to stall on the Igamane talks as long as possible.”
Rangers need to address Champions League issue with Igamane
With the prospect of potentially securing £20million for Igamane, Kevin Thelwell will surely be licking his lips over the prospect of selling the 22-year-old.
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However, given Rangers’ situation in the Champions League, Martin and the hierarchy should be doing everything they can to speak to the striker to try and convince him to stay in Govan for just a few more weeks.
The Bears may be able to salvage the situation by essentially promising the frontman that he will get his move after their knockout clash, however, that is unlikely to go down too well with his agent due to the potential risk of injury.
Rangers will need to find some sort of solution, or Martin could be left badly lacking options for what is arguably the most crucial game of their season.
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