After welcoming as many as eight fresh faces and a new manager on top, to say that Rangers‘ 1-1 draw against Dundee United wasn’t exactly a dream start for Derek McInnes would be an understatement.
The Gers entered with plenty of hope about their new era, but welcomed in a flat performance. It’s left the 49ers back at the drawing board and back in the market in an attempt to welcome an attacking star in the form of Daisuke Yokota.
The 26-year-old winger looks destined to arrive from Hannover 96 and provide McInnes with yet another attacking reinforcement. After an impressive campaign in the 2. Bundesliga last time out, there’s every chance that Yokota hits the ground running.
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Every Rangers signing 26/27 |
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Lawrence Shankland (Hearts) |
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Cammy Devlin (Hearts) |
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Dan Neil (Sunderland) |
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Ross McCrorie (Bristol City) |
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Olwethu Makhanya (Philadelphia) |
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Vanja Dragojevic (Partizan) |
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Ivor Pandur (Hull City) |
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Ben Godfrey (Atalanta) |
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Daisuke Yokota* (Hannover 96) |
After a blunt opening day, the addition of Yokota should boost Rangers’ frontline. The winger was involved in nine goals in Germany last season, but his biggest strength was his ability to beat his marker – completing 2.8 dribbles per 90.
The Gers often benefited from that trait when Mikey Moore was on loan from Tottenham Hotspur last season. The young loanee completed 2.12 dribbles per 90 and replacing him was always a task that needed completing this summer.
It will be a new-look frontline with Yokota joining Shankland, but Rangers will be hoping that the Japanese attacker adds the final piece to the puzzle for McInnes.
Rangers agree deal to sign Daisuke Yokota
As reported by Sky Sports’ Florian Plettenberg, Rangers have agreed a deal to sign Yokota from Hannover 96 and the winger is expected to travel for his medical today. The journalist claimed it’s a “done deal”.
The deal itself is reportedly worth €3.5m (£3m) with add ons to come. The big question now centres around Yokota’s availability. Rangers are next in action this Thursday when they travel to face Jagiellonia Białystok in the third qualifying round of the Europa League.
Stepping into the Europa League proper should be seen as a top priority for all involved at Ibrox this season and that makes the arrival of their new attacker all the more important.
A player of his quality and threat would provide McInnes with the attacking boost that he so desperately craved and so desperately lacked on the opening day. That alone could make all the difference on Thursday if Yokota arrives in time.
