According to Dutch TV presenter and reporter Mounir Boualin (as claimed by The Daily Record), Rangers are eyeing a summer swoop for Couhaib Driouech. But they are not alone in the hunt with RC Lens and PSV also keeping close tabs on the Excelsior Rotterdam star.
It’s been a busy summer so far for Philippe Clement who has roped in Jefté, Clinton Nsiala, Liam Kelly and Connor Barron. Óscar Cortés is back again on loan, also, Morocco U23 international Hamza Igamane is expected to join the Gers from AS FAR. Driouech could form an attacking partnership with his compatriot, but the Glasgow giants might find it tricky to make it happen at Ibrox.
The 22-year-old wide attacker prefers a move to PSV who conquered the Eredivisie crown last season under Peter Bosz. Excelsior, on the other hand, suffered relegation following a defeat against NAC Breda in the play-offs. But the Moroccan youngster impressed with eight goals and eight assists in 33 appearances across competitions [stats via Transfermarket]. The Scottish Sun understands that his contract with red-blacks will expire next year, and the Eerste Divisie side could let him leave for a fee of around £2m.
Why Driouech Would Be A Decent Buy For Rangers
Driouech has mostly been deployed from the left as an inverted winger. He recently played his part in the Atlas Lions’ 2023 U-23 Africa Cup of Nations victory and is likely to represent Morocco in the upcoming 2024 Summer Olympics.
Rangers are scripting a squad rebuild under Clement as the Belgian boss has mostly tied down young players who fit in his project. Veterans like Ryan Jack, John Lundstram, Kemar Roofe, Borna Barisic and Jon McLaughlin have been released upon the contract expiry, whereas the return of Abdallah Sima remains uncertain with Brighton yet to make a call on the winger’s future. There could be more high-profile exits amid rumoured interest in James Tavernier, Tom Lawrence, Cyriel Dessers, Connor Goldson and Todd Cantwell. The mass exodus is touted to escalate in the coming days and the gaffer, therefore, is snapping up long-term replacements.
Despite having a very high ceiling, Driouech needs to work on various aspects of his game. He loves to dribble past opponents with swift footwork but, at the same time, must improve his passing, crossing and finishing attributes while featuring from the flank.
Injuries to Danilo, Rabbi Matondo, Cortés and Lawrence last season decimated the Light Blues’ wide attacking options. Moreover, the mediocrity of Scott Wright depicts the necessity of fresh reinforcements across the frontline. The former Heerenveen prodigy could be an asset for Rangers if a transfer to Glasgow takes place in the forthcoming future.
