NafisaRangers have been working behind the scenes to add more attacking quality to Derek McInnes’ squad, and their pursuit of one particular winger has taken several twists over the past few days.
The Ibrox hierarchy have made it clear that strengthening the wide areas remains one of their priorities before the transfer window closes, particularly after an underwhelming beginning to the new Scottish Premiership campaign.
McInnes has already welcomed a number of new faces to Glasgow, including Daisuke Yokota, but the Rangers boss has continued to search for another player capable of providing greater quality and competition in the final third.
Couhaib Driouech has been one of the names at the centre of those plans.
The PSV winger has attracted serious interest from Rangers for some time, but getting him to Glasgow has been anything but straightforward.
At one stage, it appeared the Moroccan could be heading elsewhere entirely.
Celta Vigo emerged as a major threat to Rangers’ hopes, while Driouech was reportedly attracted by the prospect of continuing his career in Spain.
That left the Gers facing a potentially frustrating conclusion to a pursuit they had invested considerable time and money into.
However, the situation has now changed dramatically.
Rangers refused to give up on Couhaib Driouech
Rangers initially tested PSV’s resolve with an offer worth around €7.5million.
The Dutch club were not prepared to accept it, with their valuation understood to be somewhere between €8m and €8.5m for the 24-year-old.
For Rangers, the difference was relatively small, but there was still no guarantee that PSV would be willing to negotiate.
The situation became even more complicated when Celta Vigo entered the race.
The Spanish side were reportedly in a strong position, particularly because Driouech was believed to favour a move to La Liga.
The Moroccan was understood to feel that Spanish football would suit his technical profile and ambitions, creating genuine concern that Rangers could lose out despite their efforts.
Rather than abandoning the pursuit, however, the Ibrox hierarchy returned to the negotiating table.
And that is where the latest twist has emerged.
Rangers finally make major breakthrough
According to Dutch outlet SoccerNews, Rangers have now reached an agreement in principle with PSV for Driouech.
The improved proposal is understood to be worth around €8.5million (£7.3m).
It represents the figure PSV were looking for and marks a significant breakthrough after the Dutch club rejected Rangers’ opening proposal.
The transfer is not officially completed yet, with the winger still required to undergo a medical and the final contractual details still needing to be resolved.
But Rangers have apparently done the most important part by reaching an agreement over the fee.
Driouech is also understood to have agreed terms in principle with the Glasgow club.
Should the remaining formalities be completed without any problems, he is expected to sign a multi-year contract at Ibrox.
For McInnes, that would represent a significant boost.
Why Derek McInnes wanted Driouech
Rangers’ opening two league fixtures have highlighted the need for greater attacking quality.
The Gers collected only one point from their opening two Scottish Premiership matches, drawing with Dundee United before suffering a 2-1 defeat to Hibernian at Ibrox.
The lack of creativity and cutting edge has been one of the major concerns surrounding McInnes’ team.
Driouech could provide a different dimension.
The Moroccan joined PSV from Excelsior in 2024 and has since made 61 appearances for the Dutch club in all competitions.
During that time, he has scored 12 goals and supplied 10 assists.
Those numbers are particularly important for Rangers because they need players capable of producing something in the final third rather than simply adding another body to the squad.
McInnes has already spoken about the importance of bringing in further attacking reinforcements, and Driouech would fit the profile of the type of player Rangers have been searching for.
Rangers also considered Fares Ghedjemis
Driouech has not been the only winger on Rangers’ radar.
The club have also been linked with Frosinone attacker Fares Ghedjemis.
The Algerian enjoyed an impressive campaign last season, scoring 15 goals in 37 appearances as Frosinone secured promotion to Serie A.
However, Rangers’ pursuit of Ghedjemis has also encountered complications.
Foot Mercato reported that both Rangers and Celtic had seen offers of around €10m rejected for the 23-year-old.
Frosinone are now believed to want around €20m before considering a sale.
That valuation has seemingly made the deal much more difficult to complete.
The potential Driouech agreement therefore represents a considerably more realistic solution for Rangers.
Rather than paying the huge amount demanded for Ghedjemis, the Gers appear to have found a way to secure a player they have been pursuing for a considerably lower fee.
Driouech could now become another major McInnes signing
Should the final stages of the transfer be completed, Driouech will become another major addition to a Rangers squad that has undergone significant changes this summer.
McInnes has been given the task of reshaping the team and building a side capable of competing at the top end of Scottish football.
The early results have not gone according to plan, but the recruitment process is still ongoing.
Driouech could be one of the most important pieces added to the attacking department.
The fact Rangers have managed to overcome competition from Celta Vigo makes the development even more significant.
Only days ago, the move appeared to be slipping away from the Gers, with the player reportedly favouring Spain.
Now, after Rangers returned with an improved offer and PSV accepted the proposal in principle, the Moroccan is seemingly much closer to becoming a Rangers player.
There is still a medical and paperwork to complete before supporters can celebrate an official announcement.
But after weeks of uncertainty, Rangers have finally given themselves a major reason for optimism.
Driouech could soon be on his way to Ibrox — and McInnes may finally have the explosive wide player he has been searching for.
Nafisa
