Hamza Igamane is likely to have his pick of the clubs when the time comes, hopefully later rather than sooner, to bid his goodbyes to life at Rangers.
According to reports, Premier League duo Tottenham Hotspur and Everton have taken note of the in-form centre-forward following a stunning run of 12 goals in 16 Rangers appearances.
Igamane has admirers in France too, albeit Stade Reims will struggle to finance a deal for a striker who’s price-tag has risen as quickly as his reputation since completing that £1.7 million move to Ibrox from Moroccan outfit RAF Rabat.
But while Rangers may have plucked Hamza Igamane out of relative obscurity last summer, this is not to say they were the only club alerted to his potential following a respectable if far-from remarkable 16 goals in two seasons in Morocco’s top flight.
Igamane attracted interest from Qatar before choosing Rangers instead. A decision he clearly feels was the right one, crediting his representatives for securing a move which could yet become the springboard for a long career at the pinnacle of the European game.
Hamza Igamane credits agents for making Rangers move happen
“I would like to thank my agents for the professional work they have done, firstly by choosing the team that would be my first professional destination outside Morocco,” Igamane told French magazine Onze Mondial this week.
“And by accompanying me in a way that made it easy for me to integrate. Here, it is clear that they have chosen the league which suits me well.
“Here, I belong to a team with a great history. I thank God that I have succeeded in scoring the goals that are my responsibility and my specialty. I think that I have succeeded in quickly [adapting to] the atmosphere of European professionalism, and I am happy about that.”
Philippe Clement was keen to keep expectations low during Igamane’s first few months in Scotland. Following that coming-of-age brace away to Nice in the Europa League, however, the 22-year-old quickly became all-but undroppable.
Igamane has started 11 of the last 12 Premiership fixtures now, scoring nine times. And, the one occasion in which he begun on the bench, Clement needed Igamane to rescue the Gers with a thrilling second-half brace against Motherwell.
Igamane highlights ‘most important difference’ between Scotland and Morocco
“I quickly adapted by working hard to deserve my position and gain the coach’s trust,” adds Igamane, highlighting the small but important differences between Moroccan football and the Scottish game.
“I don’t think there is anything preventing me from succeeding in the mission. All the conditions here are favourable and suitable for creativity and persuasion.
“To be honest, the work methodology is a bit different [in Scotland]. But there is not a big difference in terms of the intensity of training.
“The most important difference here in Europe remains that the requirements are greater than in Morocco.”
Igamane’s sudden rise to prominence has led to reduced minutes for Cyriel Dessers in recent months.
Dessers has few concerns about losing his place to a striker of such talent, however, instead embracing the competition as he enjoys a run of six goals in four appearances.
“For a striker, rhythm is so important, but I was happy to be on the pitch to play together up top with Hamza,” Dessers said after netting another stunning strike during Sunday’s 3-1 win at Dundee United.
“And I think we I think we have a very good connection. Hopefully that can grow as well.
“I think most of the times he came on for me, or the other way around. Hamza is a very good guy and, when he was playing, I tried to support and try to help him. But I always thought that we could be a very good fit and Sunday was a start.
“And if that understanding gets even better, I think there’s way more possible.”
