Hamza Igamane is the poster boy of Rangers’ summer transfer revolution.
The Ibrox club have changed tact in the transfer market, slashing their wage bill and looking to emerging markets for rough gems they can polish into diamonds.
Hamza Igamane has been the standout success story of a busy summer at Rangers, having joined from Moroccan club FAR Rabat and bursting onto the scene in November, banging in 13 goals for the Gers to date.
Whilst the goals have dried up as of late – Igamane is on a run of five games without a goal – the player’s progress hasn’t been missed south of the border.
The likes of Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United are the most high profile names linked in the Premier League and Rangers fans know they might see the Moroccan move on before long.
But the 22-year-old has sent a firm message about his current status at Ibrox and told would-be suitors that he’s happy in Scotland.
Hamza Igamane ‘happy’ at Rangers
“I am happy in Scotland,” Igamane told French-language football magazine Onze Mundial.
“I spend a lot of time at home outside of training and matches. I have everything I need, I lack nothing. I have to thank the Rangers management for putting me in such conditions.
“I just have to concentrate on football and my performances on the pitch. I don’t necessarily feel a change of scenery compared to Morocco, because the supporters give me a lot of love.”
Hamza Igamane has also paid tribute to his agents, VV Consulting, for the work they did in bringing the striker to Scotland.
The hitman reckons he’s been put in the ‘best conditions’ possible to thrive at Ibrox and reiterated that his full focus is on making progress in Glasgow.
“I want to thank my advisors, VV Consulting, for the work accomplished, for their support and their professionalism,” Igamane said.
“They offered me the opportunity to sign here, in Scotland, in an environment that suits me perfectly.
”Rangers is a club with a huge history. Thank God, I scored quite a few goals right from the start and generally had a successful start in Europe. I am very happy about it.
“It is true that in terms of climate, there is a significant difference between Morocco and Scotland (laughs). But that is the daily life of football.
“You have to work, hang on, give the best of yourself, then there is no reason why it should not work.
”Honestly, I was put in the best conditions here. We have all the means to succeed at this club, so it is up to me to assume my responsibilities.”
Hamza Igamane sets his sights on Morocco call-up
Hamza Igamane’s progress at Rangers also hasn’t been lost by the Morocco national team.
Whilst Scotland’s Player of the Month for January is still uncapped with the Atlas Lions, recent reports have suggested the striker is being eyed by the Morocco national team.
Igamane too is hoping to be named in the Morocco squad, even if he admits that the competition for places ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations is going to be fierce.
“It is clear that places will be very competitive,” said Igamane. “In Morocco, there are a lot of players and a lot of very strong players, so the competition is tough.
“Every Moroccan citizen dreams of representing Morocco. So you have to be excellent to be among the chosen ones.
“To say that I am not thinking about the selection would be a lie. I am thinking about it, yes, but I still have time to work hard and make the coach want to call me up. And why play in the African Cup, or even the World Cup?”
Igamane was then asked what his plans are for 2025 and the message is simple.
The Rangers striker wants to develop at Ibrox and has his eyes set on breaking into the Morocco team.
There’s no mention of moving on anywhere else with the young striker’s feet firmly stuck to the tarmac on Edmiston Drive.
“It’s always difficult to talk about yourself,” said Igamane. “What is certain is that I do indeed have qualities and faults. But, I am still far from my potential.
“I need to work a lot, nothing replaces continuity in work. This is the only way I will be able to erase my faults.
“My margin for improvement is important, it’s the thing that motivates me the most: work, work, work, and see how far it will take me.
”(I want to) maintain my progress, show continuity in my work and take additional steps because I am not yet where I want to be.
”In the long term, I would like to join the selection, settle into this group and defend the colours of the country.”
