Yokota hopes to make 'special memories' at Rangers

What the report says

Japanese winger Daisuke Yokota has joined Rangers from Hannover on a three-year contract with an option for a further year, becoming the Scottish club’s ninth signing of the summer. BBC Sport said the 26-year-old described the move as a chance to make "special memories" at a club with a strong history and ambitious expectations.

Yokota’s career has taken him through several European leagues. He moved to Germany as a teenager and played for FSV Frankfurt and Carl Zeiss Jena, then had spells in Latvia with Valmiera and in Poland with Gornik Zabrze. After joining Gent in 2024, he struggled to secure a place in the Belgian side’s first team and later went on loan to Kaiserslautern and Hannover. Hannover then made the move permanent earlier this summer after he produced five goals and four assists in Germany’s second tier.

Rangers manager Derek McInnes said the club had tracked Yokota for some time and believed he would improve their attacking options. He highlighted the winger’s pace, direct style and experience across different leagues. The transfer is subject to international clearance and visa approval, and Rangers have not said whether he will be available for the Europa League qualifier against Jagiellonia Bialystok. The signing comes as Rangers continue to reshape their squad ahead of the new season.