West Ham United have reportedly set their sights on Rangers forward Hamza Igamane as they look to revamp their attacking options. The Hammers, now under the leadership of Graham Potter following Julen Lopetegui’s dismissal, are actively scouting for young talent, with Kyle Macaulay spearheading recruitment efforts at the London Stadium. Igamane, a 22-year-old Moroccan international, has emerged as a key target ahead of the summer transfer window.
West Ham’s Interest in Igamane
According to Hammers News (18 February), West Ham are considering a move for Igamane as part of their plans to rejuvenate their squad. The club is eager to lower the average age of their attacking department, especially with uncertainties surrounding their current strikers.
Niklas Füllkrug, who arrived last summer, has struggled to make an impact, and his future at the club remains uncertain. Meanwhile, veteran striker Michail Antonio has been sidelined for much of the season due to injuries, and Danny Ings appears to be out of favor under Potter. West Ham’s current striking options have been further depleted by the loan signing of Evan Ferguson from Brighton & Hove Albion, as the Republic of Ireland international is expected to return to his parent club at the end of the campaign.
With West Ham’s need for a reliable striker growing, Igamane has caught their attention due to his goal-scoring exploits in Scotland.
Igamane’s Impressive Form at Rangers
Hamza Igamane has been one of the standout players in the Scottish Premiership this season. Since joining Rangers in the summer of 2024 from Moroccan club AS FAR Rabat for a fee of approximately £1.7 million, he has quickly adapted to European football.
In 27 appearances across all competitions, Igamane has scored 13 goals, proving to be a vital asset for Rangers. His goal-scoring ability was on full display in the Europa League, where he impressed against Premier League opposition. During Rangers’ 1-1 draw with Tottenham Hotspur in the competition, Igamane scored the opening goal, catching the eye of several English clubs.
His performances have not only drawn attention from West Ham but also from Everton, Fulham, Newcastle United, and Tottenham. Everton, in particular, have been closely monitoring his development, with their scouts reportedly impressed by his display against Spurs. This growing interest from multiple Premier League clubs could make it challenging for West Ham to secure his signature.
Rangers’ Stance on Igamane’s Future
Despite the interest from England, Rangers are reluctant to part ways with their new attacking star. Philippe Clement, the Rangers manager, has emphasized the importance of squad stability and continuity.
In a recent interview, Clement stated, “It is important now if we want consistency that we’re not going to sell players who are performing well.” This suggests that Rangers are not actively looking to offload Igamane, particularly given his crucial role in their attacking setup.
However, if a significant offer arrives from an English club, Rangers may have to reconsider their stance. With interest growing, the summer window could see a bidding war for the Moroccan forward.
Is Igamane Ready for the Premier League?
Although Igamane has been highly effective in Scotland, moving to the Premier League is a considerable step up. The physicality, pace, and intensity of English football have often posed challenges for players transitioning from the Scottish Premiership.
Nevertheless, his performances in European competitions indicate that he has the potential to succeed at a higher level. If West Ham proceed with a bid, it would likely be a gamble on his potential rather than a guarantee of instant success.
West Ham’s Striker Dilemma
West Ham’s striking department has been a point of concern for several seasons. The club has struggled to find a consistent goal-scorer to lead the line since the departure of Sébastien Haller. While Michail Antonio has been a valuable asset, his age and recurring injuries mean that West Ham need a long-term solution.
Graham Potter’s arrival signals a shift towards a younger, more dynamic squad, and Igamane fits the profile of the type of player the club wants to bring in. If West Ham can secure his signature, he could be a valuable addition to Potter’s rebuild.
Conclusion
West Ham’s interest in Hamza Igamane highlights their intent to inject fresh talent into their squad. With multiple Premier League clubs also monitoring the Moroccan striker, the Hammers may need to move swiftly if they want to secure his services.
However, Rangers’ reluctance to sell, coupled with the challenge of adapting to the English top flight, means that any transfer would come with risks. Whether Igamane makes the leap to the Premier League this summer remains to be seen, but his growing reputation in Scotland suggests that it’s only a matter of time before he attracts a big move.