Rangers would be ‘crazy’ to sell Hamza Igamane as clear ‘suspicions’ emerge
Hamza Igamane could potentially prove pivotal for Russell Martin as Rangers face Club Brugge in the Champions League on Tuesday.
Rangers face Club Brugge at Ibrox on 19 August in the first leg of the European competition’s play-off.
Igamane returned to action against Alloa Athletic in the Premier Sport Cup’s second round, but the Scottish manager admitted after the 4-2 win that the striker may not be fully fit to start in the upcoming fixture.
While the 22-year-old centre-forward’s absence in recent matches has been due to his fitness issues, there’s a feeling that there might be another reason.
Rangers don’t want to jeopardise late Igamane transfer bids
Igamane’s lack of game time at the Gers this season may be down to his situation this transfer window, Andy Newport says.
The Scottish journalist revealed that there have been “suspicions” that the Light Blues have been reluctant to play him in recent fixtures to avoid jeopardising potentially late bids for the Morocco international at Ibrox.
LOSC Lille have been linked with Igamane in the ongoing transfer window, but Newport feels it would be “crazy” for the Glaswegian outfit to sell him now.
The journalist wrote in the Daily Record on 18 August: “Right now, Gers would be crazy to consider selling the only man who seems to have the cahonas to do what Martin requires of his striker.
“Igamane was linked with Lille this summer, but the French outfit baulked at Gers’ £15million valuation. There have been suspicions that the club have been reluctant to throw him into battle this season for fear of jeopardising any late bids that might appear before the end of the window.”
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Igamane, Cyriel Dessers or Danilo: Who will Martin start vs Brugge?
Cyriel Dessers seemed Martin’s first-choice number nine at the Gers before he picked up a slight knock against Viktoria Plzen.
While the Scottish manager has admitted the Nigeria international’s injury isn’t as serious as first suspected, it remains to be seen whether he will feature against Brugge.
The 30-year-old was the Light Blues’ leading goalscorer last season, but fans have largely been frustrated with his inconsistency over the years.
- Igamane was signed from AS FAR for around £1.7m.
- The 22-year-old broke onto the scene with some impactful displays last season.
- Martin hasn’t relied on the Morocco international much this season amid exit links.
Rangers have an exciting prospect in Igamane at Ibrox, who could potentially bring in a huge profit for them.
It would be a no-brainer to accept a significant sum for the 22-year-old’s transfer, although the Gers don’t have much time left to find a replacement now.
Danilo may start for the Glaswegian outfit against Brugge, but the Moroccan youngster should be Martin’s go-to number nine for this season if he isn’t sold.
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