adminRangers have secured the signing of Japanese winger Daisuke Yokota from Hannover 96 in a deal worth approximately £2.7 million.
The 26-year-old has agreed to a three-year contract, with the club holding an option to extend by a further year, pending international clearance. Ibrox manager Derek McInnes, a long-term admirer of the “direct” winger, believes Yokota will add pace and experience to his attacking line. He becomes the ninth summer arrival for the Light Blues, just in time for Thursday’s Europa League qualifier away to Jagiellonia Bialystok in Poland.
The left-footed right-winger notched five goals and four assists in 30 Bundesliga 2 appearances last season while on loan from Belgian side Genk. Hannover made his move permanent earlier this summer but have now sanctioned his departure to Glasgow. With Oliver Antman and Nedim Bajrami recently leaving, Rangers have been actively seeking width and continue to scout for further flank reinforcements.
McInnes delighted with new attacking option
Speaking after the deal was completed, the Rangers boss told the club: “We are really pleased to bring Daisuke to the club. He’s someone we’ve tracked for a while, and he brings attributes we feel will genuinely boost our attack. At 26, he has built up valuable experience across several European leagues. He’s quick, direct, and can produce key moments in the final third. We are still working to strengthen in important areas, and I’m looking forward to welcoming Daisuke and getting to work with him.”
Yokota added: “I’m really excited to join Rangers. This is a huge club with an incredible history, passionate fans, and big ambitions—so it’s a proud moment for me. My goal is to help the team succeed this season, and I hope we can make some great memories together. I can’t wait to meet my teammates, the staff, and get started.”
Profile: Daisuke Yokota
A club statement confirmed: “RANGERS are delighted to announce the signing of winger Daisuke Yokota from Hannover 96 on a three-year deal, with an option for a further year, subject to international clearance and visa. The 26-year-old is the latest summer addition and will join the squad ahead of tomorrow night’s UEFA Europa League qualifier.”
Born in Tokyo, Yokota moved to Germany at 18, first joining FSV Frankfurt’s academy before moving to FC Carl Zeiss Jena. In 2021, he signed for Latvian side Valmiera, helping them to their first-ever league title in 2022 with eight goals and ten assists that season. He then spent a year in Poland with Górnik Zabrze before moving to Gent in 2024. During his time with Gent, he had successful loan spells at Kaiserslautern and Hannover.
admin
