NafisaRangers have completed another eye-catching piece of business, with Japanese winger Daisuke Yokota finally sealing his move to Ibrox, and the excitement surrounding his arrival has only grown after the attacker admitted he had absolutely no doubts about choosing the Light Blues.
With Celtic continuing to dominate Scottish football in recent seasons, many expected any player with interest from both sides of the Old Firm to lean towards Parkhead.
Instead, Yokota has embraced the challenge of joining Derek McInnes’ rebuilding project, insisting Rangers’ stature, ambition and supporters made his decision an easy one.
The 26-year-old arrives after weeks of speculation linking Rangers with several wide players, including former fan favourite Vaclav Cerny and Frosinone winger Fares Ghedjemis.
While talks over other targets continue, Andrew Cavenagh and the Ibrox hierarchy have wasted no time in delivering McInnes one of the attacking reinforcements he publicly demanded following the opening-day draw with Dundee United.
Rangers completed a deal worth around £2.75million with Hannover 96, with Yokota putting pen to paper on a three-year contract that includes the option of a further year.
The winger becomes another important addition to McInnes’ squad after the departures of Oliver Antman and Nedim Bajrami, with Rangers determined to inject greater pace, creativity and unpredictability into their attack ahead of a crucial run of domestic and European fixtures.
Speaking after completing the move, Yokota made it clear that signing for Rangers was exactly where he wanted to be.
“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.
“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.”
Those comments will undoubtedly delight the Rangers support, who have been eager to see fresh attacking quality arrive at Ibrox after McInnes admitted more additions were essential before the transfer window closes.
The Rangers boss believes Yokota possesses exactly the qualities his side have been missing.
“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.
“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.”
Yokota’s arrival is not expected to be Rangers’ final move of the summer either. McInnes remains keen to add another winger, while defensive reinforcements are also being explored following Ben Godfrey’s injury setback.
For now, however, Rangers supporters can celebrate the arrival of a player capable of bringing genuine excitement to the final third.
Despite Celtic’s recent domestic success, Yokota has chosen to begin the next chapter of his career in blue, believing Ibrox is the perfect stage to showcase his talent and help restore Rangers to the top of Scottish football.
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