Russell Martin faces a major call regarding striker Hamza Igamane ahead of Rangers’ vital Champions League qualifier against Panathinaikos next Tuesday.
Rangers have been backed in their decision to avoid risking Igamane for the crucial clash, especially with the club standing firm on their £15 million valuation amid ongoing negotiations with Lille. Reports suggest one club has already withdrawn from the race to sign the 22-year-old.
After joining from AS FAR for £1.7 million last summer, Igamane had an impressive debut season at Ibrox, scoring 16 goals and catching the eye of clubs across Europe. Discussions with Lille have intensified, and Rangers’ new ownership group, 49ers Enterprises, is aiming to make a significant profit from the Moroccan striker.
Although Igamane has agreed personal terms, Lille has yet to submit an official bid. Their president, Olivier Letang, has indicated the club is not rushing to seal a deal. However, French outlet Foot Mercato now reports that Lille has reignited its pursuit of Igamane and wants him to be their next signing.
Given Rangers’ hefty asking price, former Ibrox forward Gordon Dalziel believes playing Igamane would be too risky with a potential £15 million sale on the line. Instead, Dalziel suggests recalling Cyriel Dessers, despite transfer interest from AEK Athens.
Speaking on Clyde 1 Superscoreboard, Dalziel said: “If someone’s offering around £14-15 million for Igamane, I can see why Rangers wouldn’t risk him. But with Dessers, the return wouldn’t be anywhere close to that, so I’d definitely play him.”
Meanwhile, Marseille have reportedly pulled out of the running for Igamane due to Rangers’ valuation, unwilling to go beyond €10 million (£8.6 million), according to Le 10 Sport.
As Rangers prepare for potential departures, Dutch striker Luuk de Jong has emerged as a possible replacement. The 34-year-old appears to be on his way out of PSV Eindhoven, where he’s been training to stay fit while weighing his next move.
PSV has handed his No. 9 shirt to Ricardo Pepi and brought in Alassane Plea from Borussia Mönchengladbach, signaling a new direction. Former Dutch defender Bram van Polen told ESPN’s Voetbalpraat that De Jong’s time at the club seems to be over and that he’s seeking a move abroad.
“They’ve clearly moved on,” van Polen said. “I can understand him wanting an experience outside the Netherlands. His minutes were already limited last year, and now he leaves with another league title under his belt.”
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