Rangers Secure Japanese Winger Daisuke Yokota from Hannover 96

RangersTeam·Rangers have announced the acquisition of Japanese winger Daisuke YokotaPlayer·Daisuke Yokota from 2. Bundesliga side Hannover 96, with the transfer fee reported to be approximately £2.75 million (€3.2 million). The deal includes potential add-ons and a sell-on clause, reflecting the Scottish club's investment in the 26-year-old talent. Yokota has committed to a three-year contract, with an option for an additional 12 months, marking him as the ninth signing for RangersTeam·Rangers under manager Derek McInnes in the current transfer window.

Yokota arrives at Ibrox following a productive 2025/26 season with Hannover 96, where he made 30 league appearances, starting in 19 of those matches. During his time in the 2. Bundesliga, he contributed significantly with five goals and four assists. His dribbling prowess was a standout feature, as he ranked third among all players in the league for dribbles attempted (115) and joint-third for dribbles completed (54). Hannover 96 concluded their 2025/26 2. Bundesliga campaign in fourth place with 60 points, narrowly missing out on a promotion play-off spot. Their season record included 16 wins, 12 draws, and 6 losses, with 60 goals scored and 44 conceded. The team showed resilience towards the end of the season, not losing their last nine consecutive matches, though their final three games all ended in draws.

German football experts, including Thomas Detering and Alexander Binder from Transfermarkt, have offered insights into Yokota's playing style. They describe him as a "small, agile and pacey winger whose game is primarily built around dribbling and one-on-one situations." His exceptional mobility in confined spaces, low center of gravity, and quick acceleration allow him to draw defenders and create overloads on the wing. Yokota also demonstrates strong game intelligence in transition, consistently seeking vertical passes after regaining possession. While primarily a creative force and disruptive presence, he developed into one of Hannover's top scorers last season. Experts suggest that if he secures a regular starting position at RangersTeam·Rangers, he could achieve around 15 goal contributions in the 2026/27 season. However, they note that his flair can sometimes lead to wasted opportunities in the final pass or finish, and his lack of physicality makes him less suited for robust duels or aerial challenges.

RangersTeam·Rangers themselves concluded the 2025/26 Scottish Premiership season in third place. Their league campaign began with challenges, securing only one win in their initial seven league games, which led to a managerial change on October 5th. The season commenced with a 1-1 draw against Dundee UnitedTeam·Dundee United. In cup competitions, RangersTeam·Rangers reached the quarter-finals of the Scottish Cup and the semi-finals of the Scottish League Cup. They also participated in the UEFA Champions LeagueCompetition·Champions League qualifying rounds before progressing to the UEFA Europa LeagueCompetition·Europa League league phase.

Upon his arrival, Daisuke YokotaPlayer·Daisuke Yokota conveyed 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."— Daisuke Yokota.

He further added, "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 team-mates, the staff and getting started."

RangersTeam·Rangers manager Derek McInnes expressed his satisfaction with the new signing.

"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."— Derek McInnes.

McInnes elaborated on Yokota's experience and attributes: "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 RangersTeam·Rangers and working with him."

Yokota's transfer also holds historical significance for RangersTeam·Rangers, as he is set to become the first-ever Asian-represented player at the club in its more than 150-year history. This move could potentially pave the way for more Asian talent in the future. Notably, Yokota also has prior experience playing against Jagiellonia BialystokTeam·Jagiellonia Bialystok, RangersTeam·Rangers' upcoming UEFA Europa LeagueCompetition·Europa League qualification opponent, having registered an assist against them during his tenure with Gornik ZabrzeTeam·Gornik Zabrze.