Godwin ObajeHamza Igamane Set for £15m Rangers Exit as Lille Finally Strike Deal
Rangers striker Hamza Igamane is on the verge of completing a big-money move to Lille after the Ligue 1 outfit finally reached an agreement with the Ibrox club over a reported £15million fee.
The Moroccan international has been the subject of persistent interest from the French side throughout the summer window, and according to Moroccan outlet KoraMaroc, the deal is now effectively done, with only a medical and final paperwork standing in the way of an official announcement.
Igamane enjoyed a stellar debut campaign in Glasgow, scoring 16 goals in 46 appearances following his £1.7million move from FAR Rabat last year. His performances quickly attracted continental attention, but Rangers had been firm in their valuation of the 22-year-old, with new owners 49ers Enterprises unwilling to entertain bids below the £15million mark.
That stance appears to have paid off. Lille, initially reluctant to meet the asking price, have now relented, clearing what was described as the “final hurdle” in their pursuit of the striker. Should the fee be confirmed at the full £15million figure, Igamane’s former club FAR Rabat stand to receive around 30% of the proceeds—roughly £4.5million—due to a sell-on clause included in the original transfer.
The move represents a significant return on investment for Rangers, who are now set to turn their attention to reinforcements in the final third.
Igamane himself is understood to be keen on the move to France, where regular European football and a new tactical environment await. The striker’s blend of pace, physicality, and work ethic made him a favourite under previous boss Philippe Clement, and his departure leaves a notable void for incoming manager Russell Martin to fill.
Martin, who is preparing for a vital Champions League second-round qualifier against Panathinaikos next month, may see the timing of Igamane’s exit as an opportunity to reshape his frontline.
Record Sport reports that PAOK are in talks to sign Cyriel Dessers, with Rangers seeking at least £5million for the Nigerian international. Though no agreement has been reached, sources suggest the two clubs remain in close contact, and a deal is considered likely.
Should both forwards depart, Rangers could then firm up their interest in Maccabi Tel Aviv’s highly-rated Israeli striker Dor Turgeman. The 20-year-old has been monitored closely by several clubs across Europe, and is believed to be available for around £5million.
Martin has already begun reshaping his squad with the additions of Dundee midfielder Lyall Cameron and Bournemouth full-back Max Aarons on loan. Talks to bring Leicester City defender Conor Coady to Ibrox are said to be at an advanced stage, as the manager looks to establish a spine capable of delivering both domestic success and European progression.
With time ticking ahead of the first leg against Panathinaikos on July 22, Rangers are moving swiftly behind the scenes to ensure they are well-positioned for what promises to be a defining campaign.
Godwin Obaje
