RabiuRangers transfer news: Daisuke Yokota joins from Hannover 96 to become Derek McInnes’ ninth summer signing
Rangers have completed the signing of winger Daisuke Yokota from Hannover 96.
The 26-year-old has moved to Ibrox for an initial fee of £2.75m plus add-ons, and has signed a three-year deal, with the option of an additional 12 months.
Yokota – who scored five goals and provided four assists in Germany’s second division last season – has been included in Rangers’ Europa League squad as they face Jagiellonia Białystok in a third-round qualifier, with the first leg on Thursday.
He is Rangers’ ninth summer signing, following Ivor Pandur, Vanja Dragojevic, Olwethu Makhanya, Ross McCrorie, Dan Neil, Lawrence Shankland, Cammy Devlin and Ben Godfrey.
Speaking after signing for the club, Yokota said: “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.”
Ibrox Shakeup: Connor Barron Requests Transfer Hours After Daisuke Yokota’s Arrival
In a dramatic twist at Ibrox, midfielder Connor Barron has reportedly submitted a formal transfer request just hours after Rangers finalized the high-profile signing of Japanese winger Daisuke Yokota from Hannover 96.
The timing of Barron’s request has sent shockwaves through Govan. Fresh off the official announcement welcoming Yokota to Glasgow, the Rangers hierarchy was met with news that one of their central tactical options is seeking a departure before the transfer window closes.
Barron, who joined Rangers from Aberdeen in 2024, has faced fierce competition for starting places in a constantly evolving squad. While Yokota’s arrival primarily strengthens the Light Blues’ wide attack, the rapid sequence of events highlights underlying tension over starting guarantees and team roles. English Championship sides and long-time admirers in Serie A have already rekindled interest following rumors of his potential availability.
Sources close to the situation suggest Barron’s stance stems from a drive for consistent, guaranteed starting minutes as he approaches a critical stage in his career. With squad depth being continuously reshaped to meet domestic and European ambitions, staff may prove reluctant to offer absolute assurances.
As Yokota integrates into the squad, management faces an immediate dilemma. Sanctioning Barron’s exit so late in the summer window could leave a glaring hole in central midfield, forcing Rangers back into the market for immediate reinforcements.
Yokota’s journey to Ibrox
Yokota scored five goals and provided four assists last seasonImage: Yokota scored five goals and provided four assists last season
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 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. He went on to have a successful loan spell at Hannover 96, before the deal was made permanent last season.
Manager Derek McInnes added: “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.”
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