Billy Dodds claims Rangers need to copy Celtic as record transfer nears
Rangers are close to completing a potential club-record sale as Hamza Igamane closes in on a move to Ligue 1.
Igamane only moved to Ibrox last year, but his potential quickly became obvious as his supreme finishing ability caught the eye.
The striker could now leave Rangers after just one season, with Lille close to agreeing a deal which would see him leave for a club-record fee.
While Gers fans may be frustrated at one of their top young players leaving, Ibrox icon Billy Dodds has now highlighted the positives of the sale.
Dodds lauds Rangers selling Igamane
Dodds has now claimed that Igamane’s sale will be good for Rangers as it will allow the Gers to reinvest, and has also stated that they need to copy bitter rivals Celtic in the transfer market.
Celtic are set to sell Nicolas Kuhn for a significant fee, and Dodds has now told the Scottish Sun (July 5) that Rangers need to follow suit by raising funds from Igamane.
“The model is to sell and if you get that sort of money then of course you have to take it,” he stated.
“Celtic are selling [Nicolas] Kuhn just now, and you’ve got to do that. I know Rangers fans won’t want to hear that you’ve got to sell him, but they have to. I would probably pay a few million, but I don’t know if I’d go as high as £15million to be honest with you.
“He’s got so much raw talent and he’s strong and can do things. When he’s older, he’ll maybe learn how to play for the team more, but a great lad.”
Igamane’s sale is necessary for Rangers to rebuild
Despite his talent, Igamane often found himself on the bench last season, and receiving a club-record fee for a player who is not a guaranteed starter is simply too good to turn down.
Rangers previously made mistakes of not selling at the right time, which saw Alberto Morelos and Ryan Kent eventually depart for free.
They now need to follow Celtic’s model of selling high and reinvesting in high-potential players. The likes of Jota and Kieran Tierney have left for huge fees and returned to the club, while other stars have departed and been replaced with the funds from their sales.
This model will cause some upset over the years as fan favourites depart Ibrox, but it is a necessary one if Rangers are to rebuild their squad, and Igamane’s sale could go a long way in terms of reinvestment.
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