Rangers boss plays down exit rumours as striker duo miss pre-season opener
Amid growing uncertainty over the futures of Cyriel Dessers and Hamza Igamane, Rangers’ new boss has spoken out — offering a fresh take on where things stand with the club’s striker duo.
Rangers manager Russell Martin has suggested that both Cyriel Dessers and Hamza Igamane could remain at Ibrox this summer, despite ongoing speculation linking the attacking pair with moves away.
Neither player featured in Rangers’ opening pre-season friendly under Martin, fuelling rumours about their future. However, the former Swansea and Southampton defender dismissed those concerns, clarifying the reasons behind their absence.
“Cyriel was here,” Martin said after the match. “He’s had a bit of an ankle problem, but he was here watching.”
As for Igamane, Martin explained his absence was due to a visa issue rather than any impending transfer.
“Hamza is a visa technicality,” he said. “He was ready to come back this week, but he’s had to wait for a different visa than what he received. It’s out of our control. He’s desperate to be back in and will be back this week.”
Both players have been heavily linked with interest from several European clubs following a disappointing, trophyless campaign for Rangers. But Martin’s comments suggest the club still sees them as part of the project.
“The squad is very big, there’ll be people move on,” he admitted. “But you want to keep your best players. I’m looking forward to working with both.”
With Champions League qualifiers fast approaching, clarity over Dessers and Igamane’s futures could play a key role in shaping Rangers’ attacking plans for the new season.
