Daisuke Yokota completes transfer from Hannover to Rangers
Daisuke Yokota has joined Rangers from Hannover, signing a three-year contract with the option of a further year, the Scottish club announced on 5 August 2026. The 26-year-old Japanese winger becomes Rangers' ninth summer signing and said he hopes to make "special memories" at Ibrox.
Yokota moved to Germany as a teenager and spent time with FSV Frankfurt and Carl Zeiss Jena before playing in Latvia for Valmiera and in Poland for Gornik Zabrze. He moved to Belgian side Gent in 2024 but was unable to establish himself in their first team and was subsequently loaned to Kaiserslautern and Hannover. Hannover signed him permanently earlier this summer after he recorded five goals and four assists in the German second tier, and he made 31 appearances in his sole season with Hannover.
"I'm really excited to be joining Rangers," Yokota told club media. "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."
Wide options for Rangers last season included Djeidi Gassama and on-loan Tottenham player Mikey Moore. Moore has since returned to his parent club, while Findlay Curtis has returned to Rangers after a loan spell at Kilmarnock and replaced Gassama in Friday's Scottish Premiership-opening 1-1 draw at Dundee United.
Manager Derek McInnes said: "Daisuke 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."
The deal remains subject to international clearance and a visa, and Rangers have not confirmed whether Yokota will be available for Thursday's Europa League third qualifying round tie first leg with Jagiellonia Bialystok in Poland.
