With Hamza Igamane on the verge of joining Rangers from FAR Rabat, we got an in-depth insight into the Moroccan from those who know him best.

Reda and Taha from Moroccan Grinta provide a detailed scout report on the 21-year-old.

Let's start with Hamza Igamane's move to Rangers. How significant is this transfer?

This transfer is quite significant for several reasons. Firstly, it's a surprise move for Moroccan fans, as very few Moroccan players have featured in the Scottish Premiership. We've only seen a handful, like Benjelloun and Zemmama who won the League Cup with Hibernian in 2007, and El Kaddouri who played for Celtic. The transfer fee is reported to be around three million Euros, which is substantial for a player coming from the Moroccan league. Importantly, this move is expected to increase interest in the Scottish Premiership among Moroccan fans. Many will likely start following Rangers more closely to support Igamane. It's a transfer that could open doors for more Moroccan talents to move to Scottish football in the future.

Can you give us a detailed profile of Hamza Igamane as a player?

He is an incredibly versatile attacking player. He's comfortable playing across the entire front line - as a striker, second striker, left winger, or right winger. This versatility makes him a valuable asset for any team, as he can adapt to different tactical setups and provide options for his manager. But more looking that he’s more comfortable as a second striker roaming freely on the pitch. His style of play draws comparisons to players like Memphis Depay or Marcus Rashford. He's known for being physically strong and technically proficient. This combination of attributes allows him to be effective in various attacking roles, whether he's leading the line as a striker, playing off another forward as a second striker, or operating from either wing. Igamane has significant experience despite his young age. He's played for FAR Rabat in African competitions and won the African Cup with the Moroccan Olympic team. This experience in high-pressure situations has prepared him mentally for the challenges of European football. Notably, Igamane has developed a strong personality and resilience from his time with FAR Rabat, one of Morocco's biggest teams. The pressure of playing in important tournaments and high-stakes matches has shaped him into a player who doesn't shy away from challenges or physical duels on the pitch. This mental toughness, combined with his tactical intelligence and ability to play in multiple positions across the attack, should make him a flexible and valuable addition to Rangers' squad.

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In terms of specific attributes, Igamane is quick, though not at the level of someone like Achraf Hakimi. He's excellent at dribbling, with a 64% success rate in the Moroccan league this season. He has a powerful shot and can score from long distances. His physical strength is particularly evident in winning duels in the penalty area. Tactically, Igamane is quite aware and adaptable, having played in different systems for both FAR Rabat and the national team. He often drops into midfield to contribute to build-up play, showing he's more than just a goalscorer. This tactical intelligence, combined with his ability to play in multiple positions across the attack, should make him a flexible and valuable addition to Rangers' squad. 

How has Igamane performed for FAR Rabat, and what was his role in the team?

Igamane has been a pivotal player for FAR Rabat. He was their primary striker, a role that comes with significant pressure given FAR Rabat's status as one of Morocco's big teams. His importance to the team was starkly illustrated when an injury sidelined him towards the end of last season - many believe his absence cost FAR Rabat the championship. FAR Rabat had an impressive offensive record last season, scoring 65 goals in 30 games, which is described as a historic tally in the Moroccan league. Igamane was at the heart of this attacking prowess. His ability to score from difficult situations and contribute to build-up play made him a key figure in FAR Rabat's attacking system.

What can you tell us about FAR Rabat's playing style and how Igamane fits into it?

FAR Rabat employs an attacking style of play that should prepare Igamane well for his move to Rangers. They primarily use a 4-2-3-1 formation, similar to Rangers, and sometimes switch to a 4-4-2 during matches. Their tactical approach focuses on building play from the back to create space, utilizing the "third man concept" in their attacking play. FAR Rabat is also known for their high pressing and ability to score from set pieces. Igamane thrived in this system. His ability to play across the front line, drop deep to link play, and press from the front made him an ideal fit for FAR Rabat's dynamic attacking style. His goal-scoring instinct combined with his contribution to build-up play allowed him to be effective in both the 4-2-3-1 and 4-4-2 formations.

There's been some mention of Igamane's injury history. Can you elaborate on that?

Igamane has had some issues with injuries, primarily muscular problems. These are believed to be related to his physical style of play and his preference for engaging in physical duels. A particularly impactful injury occurred towards the end of last season, causing him to miss crucial games and potentially costing FAR Rabat the championship. However, it's worth noting that these injuries are not seen as a long-term concern. The expectation is that with more experience and potentially some adjustments to his conditioning regime, Igamane will be able to better manage and prevent these issues in the future.

What are considered to be Igamane's main strengths and weaknesses?

Igamane has several notable strengths: - Powerful shooting, especially from long range, physical strength, particularly in winning duels in the penalty area and excellent dribbling skills (64% success rate in the Moroccan league). He has good speed, though not elite level and good experience and strong personality despite his young age. He has Tactical awareness and adaptability, a goal-scoring instinct, even in difficult situations and he contributes to build-up play. His defensive skills, with high rates of tackles, interceptions, and defensive actions and strong aerial ability, with a 42.86% win rate.

(Image: Moroccan Grinta)

As for weaknesses, he needs to improve his aerial play further. He could develop his tactical awareness more, he needs to improve concentration in front of goal and he should learn to better prevent injuries.

(Image: Moroccan Grinta)

What's being said about Igamane's potential?

There's a lot of excitement about Igamane's potential. His coaches believe he has yet to show his full capabilities and has significant room for improvement. This suggests that while he's already performing at a high level, there's potential for him to develop into an even more impactful player. It's worth noting that Igamane is represented by a prestigious sports management agency that also handles world-class players like Jordan Veretout, captain of Olympique de Marseille and former AS Roma player as the only Botola Pro player represented by this agency. This connection speaks to the high regard in which Igamane is held in professional circles.

Were there other clubs interested in Igamane before Rangers secured his signature?

While there weren't many publicly reported interests, it's believed that Igamane received offers from several European clubs. The French league, in particular, was said to be interested, which isn't surprising given their track record of recruiting Moroccan talents. The lack of public interest doesn't necessarily reflect a lack of suitors. It's possible that negotiations were kept quiet, or that Rangers moved quickly to secure the deal before other clubs could make their interest known.

How do you see Igamane adapting to Scottish football?

There's optimism about Igamane's potential to succeed in Scotland. His physical attributes and playing style seem well-suited to the Scottish game. The Scottish Premiership is known for its physicality and direct play, areas where Igamane excels. His strong aerial ability (42.86% win rate) and defensive skills suggest he could cope well with the robust nature of Scottish football. His ability to get touches in the penalty box (5.26 per 90) and his shot frequency (3.68 per 90) align well with the direct, fast-paced style often seen in Scotland. Interestingly, Marouane Zemmama has stated that Hamza will succeed in Scotland and that he is a typical fit for the Scottish style of play. This endorsement from someone who has experienced success in Scottish football is certainly encouraging.

Are there any potential challenges or concerns about this move?

One potential issue that's been raised is a possible conflict between Rangers and Igamane's participation in the Paris Olympics. Reports suggest that Rangers may refuse to release him for the event, prioritizing his pre-season training and adaptation to the team's style. Additionally, while Igamane's injury history isn't seen as a major long-term concern, it will be something that Rangers will need to manage carefully, especially as he adapts to the physical demands of Scottish football. Lastly, as with any player moving to a new league and culture, there will be an adaptation period. How quickly Igamane can acclimate to life in Scotland and the style of play in the Scottish Premiership will be crucial to his early success at Rangers.

Finally, what does this move mean for Igamane's international career?

This move to Rangers is seen as a significant opportunity for Igamane to catch the eye of the Moroccan national team selectors. Playing in a more high-profile league could boost his chances of earning a call-up to the senior national team. Igamane has already tasted success at the international level, having won the African Cup with the Moroccan Olympic team. He's clearly eager to build on this and establish himself in the senior setup. A successful stint with Rangers in European competition could go a long way towards achieving that goal. It's clear that Igamane sees this transfer as a crucial step in his career development, both at the club and international level. His success at Rangers could potentially pave the way for more Moroccan players to make the move to Scottish football in the future.