Rangers have completed the signing of Japanese winger Daisuke Yokota from German side Hannover 96, the club have confirmed. The 23-year-old becomes the ninth summer addition under manager Derek McInnes as the Ibrox side continues to reshape its squad for the season ahead.
Yokota, who can operate on either flank or in a central attacking role, has put pen to paper on a three-year deal in Glasgow. The move brings an end to his time in the Bundesliga, where he had been part of Hannover's first-team setup since arriving in Germany from Japanese football.
Speaking after the transfer was finalised, the winger said he was eager to create "special memories" during his time at Rangers. The new signing is expected to add pace and creativity to the club's attacking options, with McInnes keen to build a squad capable of competing on multiple fronts this campaign.
Yokota's arrival continues a busy summer of recruitment for Rangers, who have already brought in a number of new faces across the pitch. The club has moved quickly in the transfer market to strengthen the squad, with the Japanese international viewed as a key piece in McInnes' plans for a more dynamic and versatile forward line.
The Gers had been tracking Yokota for some time, with scouts impressed by his dribbling ability, work rate, and willingness to take on defenders in one-on-one situations. His experience in the Bundesliga is expected to help him adapt quickly to the physical demands of Scottish football, and he will now compete for a place in the starting eleven as the season gets underway.
Rangers supporters will likely get their first glimpse of Yokota in action during the club's upcoming pre-season fixtures, as McInnes looks to integrate the new signings ahead of the competitive campaign. The club has remained tight-lipped about the exact fee involved in the deal, though it is understood to represent a significant investment in a player whose potential has attracted interest from across Europe.
The signing also strengthens Rangers' presence in the Asian market, following in the footsteps of other Japanese players who have made an impact in Scottish football in recent years. Yokota becomes the latest in a growing line of overseas talents to make the move to Glasgow, as the club continues to broaden its scouting network in search of emerging talent.
Hannover 96 confirmed the transfer on their official channels, wishing the winger well in the next chapter of his career. The German club had signed Yokota with high hopes after his performances in Japan, and his development in the Bundesliga made him an attractive prospect for Rangers as they look to close the gap at the top of the Scottish Premiership.
With the new season fast approaching, McInnes will be hoping that his revamped squad, including the latest arrival Yokota, can hit the ground running. The Rangers manager has made no secret of his ambition to challenge for silverware, and the club's recruitment drive signals a clear intent to back him in that pursuit.
Yokota's move to Ibrox is subject to international clearance and work permit formalities, with the club expected to confirm his registration in the coming days. Once those steps are complete, the winger will be eligible to make his Rangers debut and begin his bid to earn a regular place in the team.
For now, the focus shifts to pre-season preparations, where Yokota will have the chance to stake his claim among the club's attacking ranks. The Rangers support will be watching closely as the new signing adjusts to life in Scottish football, and there is a sense of optimism around the club that his arrival could prove to be one of the smart pieces of business of the summer.
