Rangers closing in on standout signing as best deal since Raskin looms

Why Rangers could be closing in on their best signing since Nicolas Raskin

It may still be too early to properly assess Derek McInnes’ Rangers reign, with the Ibrox boss continuing to reshape his squad and search for his strongest starting XI.

However, patience is rarely available at a club of Rangers’ size. McInnes is already under pressure to deliver results, having failed to win his opening three matches in charge ahead of the crucial Europa League meeting with Jagiellonia.

The Gers have also fallen five points behind the early Premiership pace, making an improvement in results increasingly important.

One player who could have a major role to play is Nicolas Raskin, whose future at Ibrox looked uncertain earlier in the summer.

Raskin shows why Rangers still need him

Raskin’s future appeared increasingly unclear following his impressive World Cup campaign with Belgium.

The midfielder attracted interest from clubs including Hull City and Real Betis, while Rangers also strengthened their midfield with the additions of Dan Neil, Cammy Devlin and Vanja Dragojevic.

Those arrivals appeared to suggest that the club were preparing for life without Raskin.

Yet his inclusion in the starting XI against Hibernian offered a reminder of his importance.

The Belgian was not outstanding throughout the game, but he was among Rangers’ more positive performers. He completed 95 per cent of his passes during his 68 minutes on the pitch and registered three attempts at goal.

His lack of a full pre-season also needs to be considered. Raskin failed to win a tackle or duel during the match, but some rustiness was understandable given his limited preparation.

His start came after an encouraging cameo in Poland during the previous week, and there remains a strong argument that Rangers are a better side when he is involved.

That was evident during the previous Premiership campaign, when Raskin contributed 13 goals and assists.

The 25-year-old has already established himself as one of Rangers’ most successful recent signings since arriving from Standard Liege for around £1.7 million in January 2023.

Now, McInnes could be on the verge of adding another player capable of making a similar impact.

Driouech could become Rangers’ next Raskin success story

McInnes has received considerable backing since replacing his predecessor, with Rangers already bringing in nine new players, most recently Daisuke Yokota.

A tenth addition appears to be close, with Couhaib Driouech reportedly set to undergo a medical ahead of a proposed £7 million move from PSV Eindhoven.

The Moroccan winger is expected to sign a four-year contract containing an option for a further year.

Rangers have been crying out for greater quality and consistency in wide areas, and Driouech could provide exactly that.

The 24-year-old enjoyed a productive 2025/26 campaign despite not establishing himself as a regular starter in the Eredivisie.

He contributed 10 goals and assists in the league despite making only five starts, while creating seven big chances and averaging 0.7 key passes per match.

His European performances were even more impressive.

Driouech produced five goals and assists in just seven Champions League appearances, including a memorable brace away to Liverpool at Anfield.

Those numbers suggest Rangers are not simply signing a player based on potential. There is already evidence that Driouech can produce at a high level when given the opportunity.

Of course, there is an element of risk involved.

The winger did not start a single league match during the 2024/25 campaign, meaning Rangers are largely betting on the quality he has shown in flashes at PSV and previously with Excelsior.

The Eredivisie’s reputation as one of Europe’s stronger competitions should nevertheless give Rangers encouragement that Driouech can adapt to Scottish football.

Raskin made a similar transition after leaving the Belgian Pro League, and his development at Ibrox provides an obvious blueprint for what Rangers will hope to see from their latest recruit.

Rangers hoping Driouech can make the same impact

There has been considerable turnover at Ibrox in recent seasons, with managers and players coming and going.

Through all that change, Raskin has remained.

His performances have helped him establish himself as one of Rangers’ most important midfielders, surviving several managerial changes along the way.

Driouech now has the opportunity to follow a similar path.

If he can reproduce his best PSV and Excelsior performances in Glasgow, Rangers may have secured another high-quality player capable of becoming a key figure for years to come.

At around £7 million, the expectations will naturally be high. But should Driouech settle quickly and deliver on his considerable potential, McInnes could look back on the signing as one of the most important pieces of his Ibrox rebuild.