Rangers have officially secured the services of winger Daisuke Yokota, who arrives from German side Hannover 96. The 26‑year‑old Japanese forward has completed a move to Ibrox for an initial fee reported to be £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 beyond the initial term.
Yokota arrived in Scotland having enjoyed a productive season in Germany's 2. Bundesliga, where he found the back of the net five times and contributed four assists. His performances were strong enough to earn him a place in Rangers' registered squad for the upcoming Europa League campaign. The club will face Polish outfit Jagiellonia Białystok in the third‑round qualifying tie, with the first leg scheduled for Thursday, and Yokota will be eligible to feature.
He becomes the ninth addition to the Rangers roster during this summer transfer window. The previous signings include goalkeeper Ivor Pandur, defender Vanja Dragojevic, midfielder Olwethu Makhanya, versatile youngster Ross McCrorie, full‑back Dan Neil, striker Lawrence Shankland, forward Cammy Devlin and defender Ben Godfrey. The influx of new talent reflects the club's ambition to reinforce multiple areas of the pitch ahead of a demanding domestic and European schedule. In a post‑signing interview, Yokota expressed his enthusiasm about 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. 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 comments underline a desire not only to contribute on the field but also to become part of the club’s broader narrative and to forge moments that fans will cherish. Yokota’s football journey began in his native Tokyo before he ventured abroad at the age of 18.
He first entered the German footballing system through the youth academy of FSV Frankfurt, later moving to FC Carl Zeiss Jena where he continued his development. After gaining valuable experience in the German lower leagues, he sought new challenges further afield. In 2021, Yokota signed for Latvian side Valmiera, a move that proved pivotal.
During the 2022 season, he played a key role in Valmiera’s historic campaign, helping the club secure its first ever Latvian Higher League title. He contributed eight goals and ten assists, showcasing his ability to influence games both as a scorer and a creator.
This period highlighted his adaptability and his knack for making an impact in diverse footballing environments. Following his success in the Baltic region, Yokota spent a season in Poland with Górnik Zabrze, where he continued to refine his craft against a different style of opposition. In 2024, he transferred to Belgian side Gent, but his time there was brief as he soon moved on loan to Hannover 96. The loan spell proved fruitful, prompting Hannover to make the deal permanent for the 2023‑24 season, during which he delivered the aforementioned five goals and four assists.
Rangers’ manager Derek McInnes welcomed the new signing, stating: "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." McInnes highlighted Yokota’s speed, directness and his capacity to create decisive moments in the attacking third, traits that align with Rangers’ intent to play proactive, forward‑driven football. The addition of Yokota adds depth to the Rangers wing, offering the manager additional tactical flexibility.
Whether deployed as a traditional winger hugging the touchline, cutting inside onto his stronger foot, or even drifting into more central attacking positions, his versatility should give the coaching staff several options to disrupt opposing defences. Moreover, his experience across German, Latvian, Polish and Belgian competitions means he brings a multicultural perspective that can enrich the squad’s collective understanding of different playing styles. Off the pitch, Yokota’s arrival is also expected to resonate with the club’s growing Asian fanbase. Rangers have long cultivated a global following, and the signing of a Japanese international further strengthens ties with supporters in Japan and across the broader Asian market.
Marketing and community initiatives may leverage his profile to engage new audiences, while his personal story of perseverance—from Tokyo’s streets to European stadiums—offers an inspirational narrative for aspiring footballers. As the Europa League qualifier approaches, fans will be eager to see how quickly Yokota integrates into the team’s rhythm. The first leg against Jagiellonia Białystok will serve as an early test of his adaptability to the physicality and tempo of Scottish football. Should he perform well, his confidence will grow, potentially translating into regular league appearances and a significant role in Rangers’ pursuit of domestic silverware and deeper European runs.
In summary, Daisuke Yokota’s transfer to Rangers represents a strategic investment in youthful energy, technical ability and cross‑cultural experience. With a three‑year contract and an optional fourth year, the club has secured a player who not only fits their immediate tactical needs but also possesses the potential to become a fan favourite and a key contributor to the club’s ambitions over the coming seasons.