Rangers have seen a potential £7 million transfer for PSV Eindhoven winger Couhaib Driouech fall apart at the final hurdle due to an issue identified during the player's medical examination. The club had reached an agreement with all parties for the 24-year-old's signing, with Driouech himself present at Ibrox to watch Rangers' recent Europa League qualifier.
However, the deal was rescinded shortly before completion after a medical flagged a concern. Sources indicate that the issue, which would have sidelined Driouech for several weeks, made the club reluctant to proceed with the transfer. This setback adds to the pressure on under-fire manager Derek McInnes, whose team has not secured a win in their last four matches.
Rangers are scheduled to play St. Mirren in a League Cup tie, seeking to improve their form following their Europa League elimination. The team also faces a Conference League play-off against Jablonec.
PSV's director of football, Earnest Stewart, confirmed the divergence in medical assessments, stating that PSV believed Driouech's injury was minor and would result in a short recovery period. "They estimate the period he will be unable to play to be much longer than we do," Stewart said. "From what I understood, six weeks." He added that Driouech was upset by the outcome and that the club was getting back a disillusioned player.
Despite the transfer disappointment, Rangers midfielder Dan Neil acknowledged the team's performance issues, particularly their vulnerability to counter-attacks. "Another bad counter-attack goal, which has been our kryptonite over the last four games, cost us again," Neil commented after the Europa League exit. He expressed confidence in the squad's ability to address these issues, stating, "It's not unfixable. It's something that we have to take ownership of."
St. Mirren manager Craig McLeish cautioned against complacency ahead of their upcoming match against Rangers, emphasizing the quality of Rangers' squad. "There’s never a time where you go and they are there for the taking. You have to prepare for them as best you can and not take your eye off the ball,” McLeish stated.