Rangers finalise latest transfer deal in summer window as 'direct' attacker enlisted to solve problem position
Ninth squad addition puts pen to paper on an Ibrox deal
Rangers have completed the signing of Japanese winger Daisuke Yokota from Hannover 96 for around £2.7m.
The 26-year old will join the club on a three-year deal, with the option of an additional year, subject to international clearance. Ibrox boss Derek McInnes has been a long-time admirer of the ‘direct’ Yokota, who he trusts will bring pace and experience into the attack. He becomes the ninth new addition of the summer transfer window for the Light Blues ahead of their trip to Poland on Thursday, where they’ll face Jagiellonia Bialystok in a Europa League qualifier.
The left-footed right-winger scored five goals and registered four assists in 30 Bundesliga 2 appearances last season during his loan spell from Belgian side Genk. Hannover then signed him on a permanent deal earlier this summer but have now allowed him to head to Glasgow. Following the recent departures of Oliver Antman and Nedim Bajrami, Rangers have been forced to strengthen in wide areas and are still looking out for reinforcements on the flanks.
Derek McInnes ‘really pleased’ with attacking addition
After finalising the deal, the Rangers boss told the club: “We are really pleased to bring Daisuke to the club. He is a player we have been aware of for some time, and he brings qualities that we believe will really strengthen our attacking options. At 26, he has gained valuable experience across a number of different leagues in Europe. He is quick, direct and has the ability to make things happen in the final third. We are continuing to strengthen the squad in key areas, and I am looking forward to welcoming Daisuke to Rangers and working with him.”
Yokota added: “I'm really excited to be joining Rangers. This is a massive club with a fantastic history, passionate supporters and high ambitions so it's a proud moment for me. My aim is to help the team achieve success this season, and I hope we can create some special memories together. I'm looking forward to meeting my teammates, the staff and getting started.”
Who is Daisuke Yokota?
A club statement read: “RANGERS can today announce the signing of winger Daisuke Yokota from Hannover 96 on three-year deal, with the option of an additional year, subject to international clearance and visa. The 26-year-old becomes the latest addition of the summer transfer window, joining up with the squad ahead of tomorrow evening’s UEFA Europa League qualifier.
Starting his career in Tokyo, Yokota moved to Germany when he was 18-years-old, first joining the academy of FSV Frankfurt and then FC Carl Zeiss Jena. In 2021, he signed for Latvian club Valmiera and helped them to win their first ever championship title in 2022 with eight goals and 10 assists that season. Yokota spent a season in Poland with Górnik Zabrze, before he joined Gent in 2024. While at Gent, he enjoyed successful loan spells with Kaiserslautern and Hannover.