Rangers open direct talks with in-demand player with Gers ‘close’ to asking price
Rangers have already rebuilt large parts of Derek McInnes’ squad, but their work on the wings is not finished.
Lawrence Shankland has strengthened the attack, while Cammy Devlin, Dan Neil, Ross McCrorie, Ivor Pandur and Ben Godfrey have added experience across the team.
Daisuke Yokota became the ninth summer arrival when he completed his move from Hannover.
However, McInnes has made no secret of wanting more width.
Oliver Antman has joined Anderlecht, Mikey Moore returned to Tottenham after his loan and Nedim Bajrami has also left Ibrox. That turnover has reduced Rangers’ options around Shankland and Youssef Chermiti.
Djeidi Gassama prefers operating from the left, while Yokota is most comfortable cutting inside from the right. Another quick forward would give McInnes greater freedom to rotate and change shape in crucial matches.
That explains the renewed move for Couhaib Driouech.
Rangers previously wanted the Moroccan during his time with Excelsior in 2024, but he chose PSV Eindhoven instead.
The 24-year-old managed four goals and six assists across 29 league appearances last season, despite playing only 946 minutes. That works out at a direct goal contribution roughly every 95 minutes.
He also made an impact in Europe, including two goals against Liverpool and a goal and an assist in PSV’s whopping 6-2 win against Napoli in the Champions League.
|
Player |
2025/26 club |
League |
Apps |
Minutes |
Goals |
Assists |
G+A per 90 |
Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Couhaib Driouech |
PSV |
Eredivisie |
29 |
946 |
4 |
6 |
0.95 |
Opening bid rejected |
|
Fares Ghedjemis |
Frosinone |
Serie B |
37 |
3,023 |
15 |
3 |
0.54 |
Reported target |
|
Daisuke Yokota |
Hannover |
2. Bundesliga |
30 |
1,736 |
5 |
4 |
0.47 |
Signed by Rangers |
|
Stephy Mavididi |
Leicester |
Championship |
42 |
2,676 |
3 |
1 |
0.13 |
Talks previously reported |
|
Amario Cozier-Duberry |
Bolton |
League One |
33 |
2,651 |
8 |
10 |
0.61 |
Reported wide option |
|
Lorent Tolaj |
Port Vale/Plymouth |
League One |
33 |
2,771 |
18 |
8 |
0.84 |
Earlier summer shortlist |
Driouech is direct, quick and comfortable attacking space from the left. He can stretch a defence before driving inside, qualities Rangers have sometimes lacked when opponents leave room behind their full-backs.
His limited number of starts shouldn’t automatically be viewed negatively either.
PSV had fierce competition in wide areas, while Driouech’s output shows he could influence matches from the bench. At Rangers, he would have a clearer opportunity to become an important starter.
The financial commitment would still be significant.
Mounir Boualin reports that Rangers submitted an opening offer worth around £6.4 million on Wednesday, and while PSV rejected that proposal, but the gap between the clubs appears relatively small.
Rangers open direct talks with Driouech with Gers ‘close’ to asking price
According to Boualin, the Dutch champions are looking for between £6.8 million to £7.2 million, and Rangers are therefore ‘close’ to the asking price and may only need to improve their offer slightly to move negotiations forward.
Talks have also started with Driouech ‘himself’.
Boualin says Rangers have opened discussions with the player, although personal terms have not yet been agreed, while several other interested clubs are monitoring the situation and could still enter the race.
That competition gives Rangers a reason to act quickly.
Driouech would become one of the most expensive signings in the club’s recent history, but his age, European experience and hand the Teddy Bears a clear argument to throw money at PSV.
After adding Yokota, landing another exciting winger would complete a major reshaping of McInnes’ attack.
