When Derek McInnes made it clear during the summer window that reinforcing Rangers’ wide areas was a top priority, PSV Eindhoven winger Couhaib Driouech quickly emerged as the club’s primary target.

By mid-August, Rangers appeared to have pulled off a major coup. The Light Blues reached a £7million agreement with the Dutch giants, struck personal terms with the Moroccan winger, and flew him into Glasgow for a medical. Driouech was even spotted in the stands at Ibrox on 13 August during the 1-1 UEFA Europa League qualifying draw against Jagiellonia Bialystok.

However, in a dramatic twist, less than 24 hours later, Rangers abruptly pulled out of the deal, citing issues flagged during his medical checks. The decision even caused major fury among the PSV hierarchy and Dutch media.

A couple of weeks after his move to Scotland fell through, Driouech signed for La Liga side Celta Vigo in a deal worth around £5.5m. Yet, his start to life in Spain has been nothing short of a disappointment.

Couhaib Driouech struggling to make impact at Celta Vigo after Rangers transfer collapse

Writing for Spanish outlet Metropolitano, journalist Alberto Bravo Cameselle delivered a scathing assessment of Celta Vigo’s summer acquisitions, singling out the 24-year-old wide man:

The new signings, so far, have contributed virtually nothing. Couhaib Driouech is barely making an impact, while Aleix Febas has raised doubts about his performance in several matches.

The statistics back up that harsh assessment. In 251 minutes of action across La Liga, Driouech has failed to register a single goal or assist, struggling immensely to adapt to the pace and physical demands of top-flight Spanish football.

While Driouech continues to flounder in Spain, Rangers’ backup plan has paid immediate dividends. On 3 September, McInnes secured Algerian international Badredine Bouanani on a season-long loan from Bundesliga side VfB Stuttgart.

The contrast between the two players could not be starker:

• Couhaib Driouech at Celta Vigo: 0 goals, 0 assists in 251 minutes across all competitions.
• Badredine Bouanani at Rangers: 1 goal, 1 assist in 282 Premiership minutes.

Bouanani has quickly established himself as a dynamic threat on the right wing, offering directness, technical quality, and immediate end-product in domestic action.

What initially felt like a frustrating transfer setback in mid-August has transformed into a masterclass in risk management by the Ibrox board. While the decision drew heavy criticism from the Netherlands, the Gers have now been fully vindicated.

By holding their nerve and walking away from a compromised £7m investment, Rangers saved vital funds, avoided a long-term squad liability, and still brought in a superior performer in Bouanani.