Rangers have officially secured the services of winger Daisuke Yokota, who arrives from German side Hannover 96. The 26‑year‑old Japanese international has completed a move to Ibrox for a reported base fee of £2.75 million, with additional performance‑related add‑ons possible.
He has agreed to 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 contributor. Yokota arrived in Glasgow after a productive campaign in Germany's 2. Bundesliga, where he recorded five goals and four assists for Hannover 96. Those numbers earned him a spot in Rangers' Europa League squad ahead of their third‑round qualifying tie against Jagiellonia Białystok, with the first leg scheduled for Thursday.
His inclusion signals that the club intends to integrate him quickly into the first‑team setup rather than treating him as a long‑term project. The signing marks Rangers' ninth addition to the squad during the summer transfer window. He follows a busy period of activity that has seen the arrival of Ivor Pandur, Vanja Dragojevic, Olwethu Makhanya, Ross McCrorie, Dan Neil, Lawrence Shankland, Cammy Devlin and Ben Godfrey.
The club is clearly intent on bolstering depth across the pitch, and Yokoda’s arrival adds a fresh attacking option on the wings. 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 went on to stress his personal objectives, stating, "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." His remarks underscore a desire not only to contribute on the field but also to become part of the club’s broader narrative and fan culture.
Yokota’s football journey began in his native Tokyo before he ventured abroad at the age of 18. He first entered the European scene with a stint in the youth ranks of FSV Frankfurt, subsequently moving to FC Carl Zeiss Jena where he continued his development.
In 2021 he signed for Latvian side Valmiera, a move that proved pivotal. During the 2022 season he played a central role in Valmiera’s historic title win, delivering eight goals and ten assists, the highest combined tally in the club’s history and a catalyst for their maiden championship. Following his success in the Baltic region, Yokota spent a season in Poland with Górnik Zabrze, gaining valuable experience in the Ekstraklasa.
He then transferred to Belgian outfit Gent in early 2024, but his time there was brief as he secured a loan move to Hannover 96 later that year. The loan proved fruitful, prompting Hannover to make the deal permanent before he ultimately chose to test himself in Scotland.
Rangers’ manager Derek McInnes welcomed the signing, noting that the club had monitored 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 highlighted the winger’s varied experience across several European leagues, emphasizing that at 26 Yokota possesses both maturity and the hunger to make an impact. "He is quick, direct and has the ability to make things happen in the final third," the manager added. "We are continuing to strengthen the squad in key areas, and I am looking forward to welcoming Daisuke to Rangers and working with him." The acquisition of Yokota reflects a broader strategic vision at Rangers, where the board and coaching staff aim to blend home‑grown talent with proven internationals to compete on multiple fronts – domestically in the Scottish Premiership and in European competition.
By adding a player accustomed to different tactical systems, the club hopes to increase tactical flexibility, particularly in transition play and counter‑attacking scenarios where a pacey winger can exploit space behind defensive lines. Fans can already anticipate seeing Yokota don the iconic royal blue shirt in upcoming fixtures, including the Europa League qualifier against Jagiellonia Białystok. His debut could arrive sooner rather than later, as manager McInnes looks to rotate his squad and keep key players fresh for the congested schedule that lies ahead. Beyond the pitch, Yokota’s presence adds a multicultural dimension to the Rangers locker room.
His fluency in multiple languages and exposure to varied footballing cultures may help bridge communication gaps and foster a more inclusive environment. Moreover, his background offers marketing opportunities, potentially expanding the club’s reach into Asian markets where Japanese footballers enjoy a strong following. In summary, Daisuke Yokota’s move to Rangers is a calculated investment in a player who combines technical ability, speed, and a proven record of contributing goals and assists. The club’s leadership believes he can help deliver the "special memories" he spoke of, both for himself and for the supporters who cherish Rangers' storied legacy.
With the season fast approaching, all eyes will be on how quickly the winger can adapt to Scottish football and make an impact in the club’s quest for domestic silverware and European progression.