‘Igamane race explodes as Brentford, Everton and West Ham race for Rangers ace’
Hamza Igamane is in high demand this summer as Premier League clubs Brentford, Everton, and West Ham look set to battle it out with French sides for the Rangers striker’s signature.
The Moroccan striker only arrived at Ibrox last summer, but after netting 16 goals for the Bears he could be on the move once again.
Rangers’ takeover was confirmed on 30 May and was followed up by a promise of £20million investment from existing shareholders, Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises.
Igamane has established himself as a cult hero at Rangers after scoring a late winner for the Bears in a win over Old Firm rivals Celtic in the 3-2 victory in March.
But the Moroccan is attracting significant interest, and this summer looks set to be one with plenty of moves following the takeover.
Pete O’Rourke revealed to Football Insider exclusively that Rangers would consider selling Igamane if a sizeable offer arrived for the forward, and the chances of that now look healthy.
According to French outlet Foot Mercato, the race for the Moroccan international is heating up, with plenty of interest from Premier League and Ligue 1 clubs.
Brentford, Everton, West Ham racing for Rangers striker Hamza Igamane
According to the report, West Ham are eyeing a new striker this summer and are keeping tabs on Igamane, as well as Saint-Etienne forward Lucas Stassin.
Everton are interested in the Moroccan, thanks to the impending departures of Armando Broja and Dominic Calvert-Lewin, whilst Beto has been inconsistent in two seasons.
Brentford also find themselves needing a new striker as Bryan Mbeumo looks set to be on his way to Man United, leaving Tottenham-bound Thomas Frank with only Yoane Wissa as a striker that can be relied upon if he were to remain at the Gtech.
Meanwhile, in France, Lille and RC Lens are keen on Igamane, whilst Strasbourg and Stade Rennais could both be in the market for a new number nine with their top men coveted elsewhere.
Rangers look set to benefit from bidding war for Hamza Igamane
Football Insider Verdict
Igamane is an exciting prospect who can play in a number of positions and clearly has a high ceiling.
But with Rangers in need of players who can benefit them in the short term, losing the Moroccan for a high fee may not be the worst thing in the world.
Igamane fell out of favour under Barry Ferguson during the latter part of the ex-captain’s reign at Ibrox, and his return of 12 goals in 33 Premiership games is good, but not great.
With seemingly half of the clubs in Europe interested in the forward, the Bears will be able to play each club off each other, sparking a bidding war.
Combined with the investment received from Cavenagh and 49ers, Russell Martin will be well equipped to find a new striker who can fire Rangers back into contention alongside their old foes.