Major Rangers transfer deadline day move gathers pace as star set for medical after Ligue 1 switch collapses
The Light Blues are hopeful of completing an initial loan agreement for the Algerian that could include an option to make the transfer permanent
Rangers are closing in on a major deadline day move for VfB Stuttgart winger Badredine Bouanani, with the Algerian reportedly undergoing a medical ahead of a potential move to Ibrox.
The 21-year-old has emerged as a late target for Rangers boss Derek McInnes, who has been eager to add another wide attacker before the transfer window closes at 5pm this evening. Reports suggest the deal has progressed rapidly, with the Light Blues now hopeful of completing an initial loan agreement that could include an option to make the transfer permanent.
Bouanani’s arrival would represent a dramatic turnaround after Rangers appeared to have missed out on the wide man earlier in the week. RC Strasbourg had been in advanced negotiations with Stuttgart over a loan move, while Rangers and Schalke were understood to have dropped out of the running.
However, the proposed switch to France failed to materialise before the French transfer window shut, leaving the door open for the Govan giants to make a late approach.
The timing of the transfer is significant for McInnes. Rangers have already completed a substantial amount of business this summer, but the manager has continued to search for another option on the right-hand side. They were linked with Brighton prospect Amario Cozier-Duberry, although that pursuit failed to produce the desired outcome.
Bouanani offers a different solution and fits the profile of a left-footed player capable of operating from the right flank. The Algerian international has considerable experience despite his relatively young age. A product of the LOSC Lille academy, Bouanani began his senior career with OGC Nice before spending time on loan at Lorient. He subsequently joined Stuttgart in 2025 in a deal worth around £13 million.
The prospect of securing him on loan could provide Rangers an attractive way of adding quality without immediately committing to another shelling out another substantial transfer fee. The club has already invested heavily in recent months, including the imminent arrival of Kevin Kelsy from Portland Timbers.
Bouanani has intriguing connection to Rangers
Bouanani would also bring an intriguing connection to Rangers. He previously faced and scored against the Ibrox side while playing for Nice in the Europa League.
McInnes had suggested on Tuesday afternoon that Rangers were working to bring in one more player before the window closed, although he admitted there was no guarantee another deal would be completed. The late pursuit of Bouanani now looks to be that final piece of business.
With the Scottish deadline fast approaching, attention will now turn to whether Rangers can complete the necessary paperwork and formally announce the signing.
What appeared to be a transfer that had slipped away has suddenly become one of the most intriguing deadline day stories surrounding Ibrox.
If the medical and final negotiations go according to plan, Bouanani could soon become Rangers’ latest attacking addition — and potentially one of the most exciting.
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