Rangers are closing in on another major addition to Derek McInnes’ squad, with Stuttgart winger Badredine Bouanani undergoing a medical ahead of a proposed move to Ibrox.
The Algerian international has emerged as one of Rangers’ key deadline-day targets, with the club working to complete the deal before the Scottish transfer window closes. If the move is completed alongside Kevin Kelsy’s arrival, Bouanani will become the 14th new signing of Rangers’ summer recruitment campaign. (Yahoo Sports)
The development represents another late push from Rangers as McInnes looks to strengthen his attacking options ahead of what promises to be a demanding campaign.
Bouanani is understood to be joining on an initial season-long loan, with Rangers having an option to make the transfer permanent. Reports differ slightly on the value of that option, with L’Équipe reporting an €18 million figure, while other reports have placed it at around £15.5 million. (L’Équipe)
For now, however, Rangers supporters will be concentrating on the immediate development: the 21-year-old is completing his medical in Glasgow.
Rangers Push To Complete Deadline-Day Deal
The move for Bouanani has developed rapidly.
Rangers had appeared to be approaching the end of their transfer business after spending heavily throughout the summer, but McInnes hinted after the recent victory over Falkirk that the club could still have another deal to complete.
That comment sparked further speculation among supporters, and it has now become clear that Bouanani is the player Rangers have been working to bring to Ibrox.
The winger’s medical is a significant step in the process.
While a medical does not itself mean a transfer has been completed, it normally indicates that negotiations have progressed to an advanced stage and that the clubs are working towards finalising the agreement.
With the transfer deadline approaching, Rangers will be desperate to avoid any complications that could prevent the paperwork from being completed.
Reports on Thursday indicated that the club were pushing ahead with the deal while also considering other attacking options. (Inside Ibrox)
Who Is Badredine Bouanani?
Bouanani is a 21-year-old Algerian winger who has developed through some of the most respected academies in French football.
He came through the Lille youth system before beginning his senior career with Nice.
The player also spent time on loan at Lorient before moving to Stuttgart in 2025.
Stuttgart paid a significant fee to bring him to Germany, with reports putting the transfer at around £13 million to £15 million.
However, his first period in Germany has not gone entirely according to plan.
Bouanani has struggled to establish himself as a consistent starter and made 28 appearances last season, scoring twice and providing two assists, according to L’Équipe. (L’Équipe)
That lack of regular football appears to have opened the door for Rangers.
A move to Scotland could provide the youngster with the opportunity to play more frequently and rediscover the form that made him such an attractive prospect in the first place.
A Versatile Attacking Player
One of the most attractive aspects of Bouanani’s profile is his versatility.
The winger is primarily known for operating on the right side, but he can also play on the opposite flank and contribute through the middle.
That could be extremely useful for McInnes.
Rangers are expected to face numerous opponents who defend deep and attempt to frustrate them by restricting space around the penalty area.
Having an attacker capable of taking on defenders, changing position and creating opportunities could give Rangers another way of breaking down stubborn defences.
Bouanani is also a left-footed player who naturally operates from the right, allowing him to cut inside and create shooting or passing opportunities.
That profile could complement some of the other attacking players already at Ibrox.
Rangers Need More Attacking Quality
The timing of the potential move is particularly important because Rangers have been dealing with injury problems in the attacking department.
Youssef Chermiti suffered a serious injury and is expected to spend a significant period on the sidelines.
That situation increased the pressure on Rangers to strengthen their forward options.
The club have already moved to bring in Kevin Kelsy from Portland Timbers in a deal reported to be worth around £9.2 million, with the Venezuelan striker expected to provide another option in the centre-forward position. (TEAMtalk)
Bouanani would address a different requirement.
Rather than simply adding another striker, Rangers would be bringing in a player capable of operating from the wide areas and giving McInnes another creative option.
That combination could make the Rangers attack considerably more flexible.
The 14th Signing Of A Remarkable Summer
Should the deal be completed, Bouanani would become the 14th new arrival at Ibrox during the summer window.
That figure highlights just how dramatically Rangers have changed their squad.
The club have been extremely active in the transfer market, bringing in players across several positions as McInnes attempts to build a team capable of challenging domestically.
The scale of the rebuild means the manager now faces a different challenge.
Recruiting players is one thing.
Getting a large group of new arrivals to quickly understand each other and develop into a cohesive team is another.
Bouanani’s arrival would nevertheless give McInnes another piece to work with.
Bouanani Already Knows Rangers
Interestingly, Bouanani is not completely unfamiliar with Rangers.
The Algerian previously faced the Ibrox club during his time at Nice.
He scored against Rangers in a European fixture at Ibrox, meaning he has already experienced the atmosphere and pressure associated with playing in front of the Rangers support.
That experience could potentially help him adapt more quickly if the transfer is completed.
He already knows how intense the environment can be and has previously played against some of the players and systems he could now encounter regularly in Scottish football.
For Rangers supporters, the fact that he has already performed at Ibrox will add another interesting element to the story.
A Chance To Restart His Career
For Bouanani himself, the proposed move could represent an important opportunity.
At 21, his career is still at an early stage.
A player can quickly find himself stuck at a club when competition for places is intense, particularly when he is unable to establish himself as a regular starter.
A move to Rangers could change that.
The Scottish club would offer him a huge platform and potentially far more regular football.
If he can produce consistently, his value could increase significantly.
Rangers also have an option to make the transfer permanent, meaning Bouanani would have the opportunity to convince the club that he deserves a long-term contract.
The £15.5m Question
One of the most interesting aspects of the proposed transfer is the size of the potential permanent fee.
Reports have suggested that Rangers could have to pay around £15.5 million to make the move permanent.
That would represent a massive financial commitment.
Indeed, that figure would reportedly exceed Rangers’ previous Scottish transfer record and the £12 million they paid for Tore André Flo in 2000. (The Scottish Sun)
That means Rangers would have to be extremely confident in Bouanani if they eventually decide to activate the option.
The loan arrangement, therefore, could be beneficial to the club.
Rather than immediately committing such a significant amount of money, Rangers can assess the player over the course of the season.
If he performs exceptionally well, the club can consider making the transfer permanent.
If he fails to meet expectations, Rangers would not necessarily be tied to a huge long-term investment.
McInnes Could Have A Major Decision To Make
If Bouanani joins, McInnes will have plenty of attacking options at his disposal.
The Rangers manager will have to determine how best to use the winger and where he fits into the overall structure of the team.
Bouanani’s ability to play in several positions gives McInnes flexibility.
He could be used as a traditional right winger, asked to move inside, or deployed on the opposite side depending on the opposition.
That flexibility could become particularly valuable during a long season.
Rangers will have domestic fixtures, cup competitions and European commitments to manage, meaning squad rotation will be essential.
Having players capable of performing in multiple positions can make that task considerably easier.
Rangers Were Also Looking At Bajraktarevic
Bouanani is not the only winger Rangers have been considering.
PSV winger Esmir Bajraktarevic has also emerged as a deadline-day target.
Reports indicated that Rangers had held discussions over the 21-year-old Bosnia international as the club looked for further attacking reinforcements. (Yahoo Sports)
However, later reports suggested that there was simply not enough time remaining to complete that particular deal.
That could mean Rangers’ attention has increasingly focused on getting Bouanani’s transfer over the line.
With the deadline approaching, completing one deal successfully may have become the club’s priority rather than attempting to force through several complicated transfers.
Rangers’ Transfer Window Has Been Aggressive
The potential Bouanani move is another example of how aggressively Rangers have approached this transfer window.
The club have clearly identified the need for significant changes and have acted accordingly.
The arrival of Kelsy is particularly significant because of the money involved, while Bouanani would represent another ambitious addition.
The club’s willingness to consider an option worth around €18 million demonstrates the level of potential investment being discussed.
Of course, Rangers will only make that permanent commitment if the player proves himself.
For now, the loan gives both sides an opportunity to assess the situation.
What Can Rangers Fans Expect From Him?
If the transfer is completed, supporters can expect an energetic attacking player who likes to operate in dangerous areas.
Bouanani’s ability to play from the right could be particularly interesting.
A left-footed winger cutting inside from the right can create problems for defenders because it opens up several possibilities.
He can drive towards the penalty area, look for a shot, combine with the striker or attempt to create opportunities for teammates.
That unpredictability is something Rangers could benefit from.
The club need attackers capable of changing games rather than simply maintaining possession.
If Bouanani can bring that quality to Ibrox, his arrival could prove to be an important part of McInnes’ plans.
The Pressure At Ibrox Will Be Huge
There is no question that Bouanani would face pressure at Rangers.
Playing for a club of Rangers’ size comes with enormous expectations.
Supporters expect new signings to make an immediate impact, particularly when the club has invested heavily in rebuilding the squad.
However, the winger would also have a major opportunity.
A successful spell in Glasgow could transform his career.
Regular appearances, European football and the chance to compete for major trophies would give him an excellent platform.
At just 21, there is plenty of time for him to develop.
The Medical Is The Key Step Right Now
For the moment, everything revolves around the medical.
Bouanani is undergoing his medical ahead of the proposed move, and Rangers will now be hoping that there are no problems.
Once the medical is successfully completed, the clubs can focus on completing the final paperwork and registration requirements.
Because this is deadline day, timing is critical.
Rangers cannot afford unnecessary delays.
The club must ensure that everything is submitted correctly before the Scottish transfer window closes.
Reports later in the day indicated that Rangers had successfully submitted the required paperwork before the deadline, with the deal subsequently reported as completed. (Rangers News)
What The Signing Could Mean For Rangers
If Bouanani can adapt quickly, his arrival could give Rangers another important attacking weapon.
The club have spent much of the summer attempting to create a stronger squad, and adding a player with international experience and Bundesliga exposure fits that strategy.
He also brings something different.
Rather than simply being another squad player, Bouanani has the potential to become a significant attacking contributor.
His age means there is also room for further development.
If Rangers can help him rediscover his confidence, the club could potentially end up with a player worth significantly more than the cost of bringing him in.
That is exactly the type of opportunity that makes a loan with an option to buy attractive.
A Huge Deadline-Day Development
The potential arrival of Badredine Bouanani is therefore much more than another transfer announcement.
It represents another major move in Rangers’ attempt to rebuild the squad.
The Algerian winger has already played at a high level, has international experience and has previously shown that he can perform on a big stage.
Now he has the opportunity to do it at Ibrox.
The medical represents an important final step, and Rangers will be hoping the remaining formalities can be completed without complications.
If everything goes according to plan, McInnes will have another attacking player available to help his side compete across multiple competitions.
And with the possibility of a permanent transfer worth around £15.5 million, supporters could be watching the beginning of a much bigger Rangers story. (The Scottish Sun)
For now, the message is simple:
Rangers are closing in.
Bouanani is undergoing his medical.
The deal is approaching the final stages.
And the Algerian winger could soon be wearing the famous Rangers blue.
