Igamane exit question raised after weekend whereabouts as Rangers red flag raised

Hamza Igamane looks likely to leave Rangers this summer.

The 22-year-old had an outstanding first season at Ibrox, where he netted 16 goals in all competitions.

As a result, interest is high in the winger this summer, with multiple clubs aiming to tempt him away from the Glaswegians.

Lille have been heavily linked with Igamane, with Rangers aiming to get £15 million.

However, as it stands, he remains a player at Ibrox ahead of their upcoming Champions League qualifiers.

Keith Jackson questions Igamane absence amid Lille speculation

In recent days, it has become clear that Igamane wants to join Lille, with personal terms being agreed.

Therefore, speculation was rife on the weekend, when the 22-year-old was absent for Rangers’ friendly against Club Brugge.

Russell Martin had explained that Igamane’s no-show was due to a visa issue.

The winger has since reappeared in training. However, this did not stop people from theorising that his previous absence was due to the transfer speculation. 

Igamane has had a great career at Rangers to date

One such person who remained unconvinced by Martin’s explanation was journalist Keith Jackson.

He told the Daily Record (10 July): “There’s always a red flag that goes up when players who are looking for a move lose their passport or have a visa issue and don’t manage to get back in time.

“We’ve seen it over and over. Maybe it’s the old cynic in me, but the minute I heard Russell Martin say that, I thought ‘oh, really?’

“I’ve been in that movie 100 times. That raised a flag for me. I’m thinking ‘OK, so the game is beginning.”

However, Jackson then went on to explain that “Martin appears to have been telling the truth”, and it was likely just an oversight from Igamane.

Rangers need Igamane saga to quickly end

The ongoing saga surrounding Igamane will not be helping Martin ahead of the new season.

The manager will be attempting to ready his squad for the Champions League qualifiers, while they also adopt a completely new style of play.

On top of this, Rangers are attempting to manouver the transfer market, and will be awaiting to see what happens regarding Igamane as it will inevitably change their plans.

Therefore, distractions such as the Igamane saga will be an annoyance for Martin, especially as it appears inevitable that he will be sold.

Hopefully, the saga will finally come to an end in July, and Rangers will walk away with the £15 million for their troubles.