GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - MAY 14: Rangers Manager Philippe Clement speaks to Dundee Manager Tony Docherty before the Cinch Scottish Premiership match between Rangers FC and Dundee FC at Ibrox Stadium on May 14, 2024 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Steve Welsh/Getty Images)
Rangers are hoping to ramp up their summertime hiring efforts, and Nils Koppen is putting in a lot of extra effort to bring in fresh talent.
It appears that Hamza Igamane, a Moroccan international, will be the next player to join Philippe Clement’s team, taking Kemar Roofe’s place after his contract expired.
An update has been provided regarding the 21-year-old’s circumstances, as he seemed to be on the verge of being officially announced by the Rangers prior to receiving the five-star Ibrox tour.
While Rangers supporters may not be familiar with Igamane’s name or play style, Alfredo Morelos wasn’t either.
Although it’s unfair and too soon to make analogies, it’s difficult to ignore them when you watch the YouTube compilations and observe his playing technique.
Hamza Igmane hitch ironed out as Rangers move nears
During the daily briefing on Tuesday, July 2nd, David Edgar assured Heart and Hand listeners that they shouldn’t be concerned.
“Hamza Igamane is one player who appears to be arriving this week following a delay with his visa.
“There wasn’t anything special about his visa application, but as any of you know, as you get into bureaucracy, there are forms to fill out and things to stamp.
“It can take a wee bit longer than you want it to but that is all done now and we’re expecting Hamza Igamane to formally sign, and the deal has been agreed with his club FAR Rabat with an initial fee of £1.5m.
“There are some add-ons there as well, but £1.5m is the initial fee for him.”
Igamane ticks all the right boxes for Rangers trading model
This is the sort of signing that Rangers need to be making more often.
It’s not hugely expensive, although there is enough evidence to suggest that Igamane could turn into something special.
Igamane has 24 goal contributions in 58 senior appearances in Morrocco, even the best strikers didn’t immediately hit the ground running with the sort of goal scoring rate that made them the best in the world.
Up until they reached Igamane’s age, even players like Cristiano Ronaldo could only muster one goal every three games.
Rangers ran out of goals in the previous season.
Because Roofe was never able to fully recover from his two freak injuries, and Danilo suffered two more, Cyriel Dessers had to shoulder the majority of the load by himself.
There was never a backup plan, and Philippe Clement hardly ever had two healthy strikers at his disposal.
Igamane may not always be the starting striker, but he will undoubtedly be close behind the person who is.
