Rangers have officially secured the services of Japanese winger Daisuke Yokota, who arrives from German side Hannover 96. The 26‑year‑old forward has completed a transfer to Ibrox for an agreed fee of £2.75 million, with additional performance‑related add‑ons built into the agreement.
He has signed a three‑year contract that also contains an option to extend for a further twelve months, giving the club flexibility to retain his services if he proves a key asset. Yokota’s recent record in Germany’s second tier was impressive: he found the back of the net five times and contributed four assists over the course of last season’s campaign. Those numbers, combined with his pace and direct style of play, earned him a spot in Rangers’ Europa League squad for the upcoming third‑round qualifying tie against Jagiellonia Białystok, with the first leg scheduled for Thursday. This inclusion signals the club’s intention to utilise his attacking talents straight away in European competition.
The signing marks the ninth addition to Rangers’ summer transfer roster. He joins a growing list that already features Ivor Pandur, Vanja Dragojevic, Olwethu Makhanya, Ross McCrorie, Dan Neil, Lawrence Shankland, Cammy Devlin and Ben Godfrey – a clear indication that the club is actively reshaping its squad to meet the challenges of both domestic and continental football.
After putting pen to paper, Yokota expressed his enthusiasm for the move. "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," he said.
He added that his personal goal is to help the team achieve success in the upcoming season and to create "some special memories" alongside his new teammates and coaching staff. Yokota also highlighted his eagerness to meet the squad, integrate with the club’s personnel and begin training as soon as possible. Born and raised in Tokyo, Yokota’s football journey began in his native Japan before he ventured abroad at the age of 18.
His first European experience came with a stint in the youth set‑up of FSV Frankfurt, after which he moved to FC Carl Zeiss Jena to continue his development. These early years laid the foundation for his technical abilities and adaptability to different playing styles. In 2021, Yokota signed for Latvian side Valmiera, where he played a pivotal role in the club’s historic 2022 season. Valmiera captured their first ever Latvian Higher League title, with Yokota contributing eight goals and ten assists, demonstrating his capacity to influence games both as a scorer and a creator.
His performances attracted interest from clubs across the continent, leading to a move to Poland’s Górnik Zabrze for the 2023‑24 campaign. After a season in the Ekstraklasa, Yokota transferred to Belgian outfit Gent in early 2024. However, limited playing time prompted a loan move back to Germany, this time with Hannover 96. The loan proved successful, and Hannover exercised the option to make the deal permanent, allowing Yokota to finish the 2024‑25 season with the club before Rangers secured his signature.
Rangers’ manager, Derek McInnes, welcomed the acquisition, noting that the club had been monitoring Yokota for some time. "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," McInnes said.
He praised Yokota’s experience across a variety of European leagues, emphasizing that at 26 the Japanese winger has accumulated valuable tactical knowledge and resilience. "He is quick, direct and has the ability to make things happen in the final third," the manager added, underlining the winger’s potential to add a new dimension to Rangers’ offensive play.
McInnes also highlighted the strategic nature of the signing, stating that the club is continuing to reinforce key areas of the squad to compete on multiple fronts. "We are continuing to strengthen the squad in key areas, and I am looking forward to welcoming Daisuke to Rangers and working with him," he concluded. Yokota’s arrival comes at a crucial juncture for Rangers, who are aiming to challenge for the Scottish Premiership title while also making a deep run in European competition. His blend of speed, technical skill, and experience in different tactical systems is expected to complement the existing attacking unit, which includes prolific striker Lawrence Shankland and versatile forward Dan Neil.
Fans will be eager to see how his style meshes with the physicality of the Scottish game and whether he can replicate his creative output from his time in Latvia and Germany. Beyond the pitch, Yokota’s move underscores the growing globalization of the Scottish league, as clubs increasingly look beyond traditional markets to source talent.
His signing may also inspire a new wave of interest from Asian audiences, potentially expanding Rangers’ brand reach in Japan and across the continent. For supporters eager to follow Yokota’s progress, the club has announced that his debut could come sooner rather than later, given the immediate need for fresh attacking options in the Europa League qualifier.
The first leg against Jagiellonia Białystok will be a litmus test for the new signing, offering a platform to showcase his pace down the flanks, his crossing ability, and his knack for cutting inside to create scoring opportunities. In addition to the on‑field excitement, Rangers continue to promote their matches through various broadcast partners.
Fans can stream the Scottish Premiership via NOW, while live coverage is also available on Sky Sports. The club encourages supporters to engage with the team through interactive initiatives, such as the Super 6 competition, which offers a chance to win £250,000 in prize money.
Overall, Daisuke Yokota’s transfer to Rangers represents a strategic investment in youthful energy and proven creativity. If he can adapt quickly to the rigors of Scottish football and fulfill the promise shown in his previous clubs, he could indeed help the Glasgow side forge those "special memories" he spoke of, both for himself and for the passionate Rangers faithful.