Rangers complete new signing ahead of Europa League tie as Derek McInnes offers glowing verdict

The 26-year-old becomes the ninth new recruit of the summer at Ibrox after signing a three-year contract with the option of an additional year in a transfer worth around £2.7million.

He scored five times for the 2.Bundesliga side last season in 30 appearances, while he was on loan from Gent. The deal was made permanent only two months ago but Yokota will now continue his career in Scotland.

The forward joins up with Derek McInnes squad immediately and is available for Thursday’s Europa League third qualifying round first leg against Jagellonia Bialystock with the transfer completed in time for him to be registered for the tie.

“I'm really excited to be joining Rangers,” Yokota told the club website. “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.”

Yokota’s arrival strengthens the attacking options for McInnes following the recent departures of Oliver Antman and Nedim Bajrami.

“We are really pleased to bring Daisuke to the club,” the Rangers boss said. “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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Yokota moved to Germany aged 18 first joining the academy of FSV Frankfurt and then FC Carl Zeiss Jena. In 2021, he signed for Latvian club Valmiera and helped them to 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. While at Gent, he has loan spells at Kaiserslautern and Hannover 96, before the deal with the latter was made permanent.

Speaking on May 16, after exercising the purchase option, Hannover sporting director Ralf Becker said: "Daisuke played a good first season in the 96 jersey and scored important goals for the team. That's why it was clear to us very early on that we wanted to exercise the option to sign him permanently. We are delighted to have secured a player of this high quality.”