Former Rangers ace goes from Govan villain to European hero as transfer fee 'multiplied' since Ibrox exit
The former Rangers ‘unpredictable’ talent is enjoying his start to life on the continent.
As Rangers’ lack of attacking fire-power continues to be an issue for Danny Rohl, a former Ibrox marksman has been labelled ‘superman’ for his recent performances.
Not for the first time this season, The Gers drew 2-2 with Dundee United in a match that could’ve been worse, had it not been for Nedim Bajrami’s 97th minute equaliser from the penalty spot. Rangers created a good amount of chances in the match, but were wasteful in front of goal.
The current crop of Rangers strikers includes Danilo, who has struggled for form of late, as well as summer signings Bojan Miovski and Youssef Chermiti, who have just three goals between them. The Govan side sold last season’s top scorer Cyriel Dessers and Moroccan sensation Hamza Igamane in the summer transfer window, however haven’t been able to replace the attacking numbers of the duo so far.
In the case of Igamane, Rangers cashed in on the striker, who moved to Lille for an eight-figure fee. However, after the 23-year continues to impress in Ligue 1, as well as in the Europa League, his transfer value is increasing by the day.
Igamane fee ‘multiplied’ after superb Lille form
According to the Daily Record, Igamane’s performances for the French giants have led to further interest for his services around Europe, with La Liga side, Real Betis being the latest club with a keen eye on the striker. Since his summer Rangers exit, Igamane has scored five goals in 12 Ligue 1 appearances and has been on target four times for The Northmen in the Europa League.
With Betis interested, Spanish Media Outlet, Fichajes claim that Igamane’s transfer fee has ‘multiplied’ since his Ibrox exit. This could be beneficial to Rangers if they have agreed a sell-on fee for the Moroccan maverick.
Igamane’s good form in France will come as no surprise to Gers fans, who watched him score 16 teams in his breakout season, including a late-winner at Celtic Park. He also was on target in Rangers’ Europa League draw with Tottenham at Ibrox, further announcing himself on the global stage.
From Govan villain to Lille ‘superman’
Igamane was the subject of a substitution scandal towards the end of his Rangers career, when he refused to come on for Russell Martin against St Mirren claiming he was carrying a knock. Rangers fans were perplexed as to why he didn’t tell the former boss he was injured prior to the announcement of the matchday squad.
Despite this, Igamane has emerged as a fans favourite in France and was even described as ‘superman’ by Lille manager Bruno Genesio after he scored a late winner against Le Havre at the weekend. He said: “he's [Igamane] like superman! At first, I was almost angry that he didn’t pass the ball right away. But that’s part of his spontaneity, that slightly unpredictable side of him. I think he needs to keep that."