Rangers Star Igamane Sparks Controversy: Refuses Substitution Amid Transfer Rumors

Russell Martin wanted to bring on Hamza Igamane, who was a substitute at the start of the game at St. Mirren, in the 60th minute of play, but he was met with the refusal of the Moroccan international. "Everything was fine. He trained well yesterday, he warmed up well. I turned to him in the 60th minute because I wanted two strikers on the pitch. Hamza told me he was injured," explained the Scottish coach to Sky Sports. He is surprised by the behavior of the Moroccan striker. Has he faked an injury? "I don’t know (if he refused to play). I have to trust him, but we’ll see."

Is this refusal to enter the game related to the summer transfer window? "The problem is that the transfer window is still open. A lot of players have one eye out and one eye in, and we need everyone to be fully committed in this club [...] There are too many undecided people, or who say to themselves: maybe there’s something for me elsewhere. The transfer window must end quickly," adds Russel. The Scottish coach also reveals that the club "received an offer for Hamza this week, which we refused." Is this a way for the 22-year-old player to preserve himself for a new club?

Arrived at Rangers last summer on a five-year contract, the Moroccan international has been putting in remarkable performances this season. He scored 12 goals in 33 Premiership matches last season. Seduced by these performances, several clubs such as Lille wish to recruit him this summer.