Rangers have walked away from a proposed transfer to sign PSV Eindhoven winger Couhaib Driouech, with the player set to return to PSV after the Scottish club decided he would not be available to play immediately because of an injury, the BBC reports.
- Rangers have withdrawn from a proposed transfer for PSV winger Couhaib Driouech because he was carrying an injury, per BBC Sport.
- PSV head coach Peter Bosz said he was surprised by the collapse of the deal and expects to reintegrate Driouech into PSV's squad.
- Rangers will prioritise signings who are available to play immediately as they prepare for domestic cup and European qualifying matches.
What happened: confirmed facts
The clubs had been in talks over Driouech, 24, and the player attended Rangers’ Europa League qualifying tie at Ibrox, but Rangers informed PSV they would not proceed with the move because Driouech was carrying an injury. PSV head coach Peter Bosz told reporters he was surprised by Rangers’ decision and said the club and player had thought the deal was settled. Bosz added Driouech would not be involved against Excelsior but expected him back in PSV’s squad soon, according to the BBC’s reporting.
Who is Couhaib Driouech?
Driouech is a 24-year-old winger who joined PSV in 2024 after a spell at Excelsior. Last season he registered nine goals and eight assists in 40 appearances, often used from the bench: the BBC notes he started only once in PSV’s eight Champions League matches and was a substitute 24 times in the Eredivisie. He is left-footed but has played on both wings and was part of Morocco’s Under-23 squad that won the Africa U-23 Cup of Nations in 2023.
Why Rangers pulled out — and what PSV said
According to the BBC, Rangers decided against completing the transfer because they needed players who would be fit and available to play immediately as they approach domestic cup and European qualifying fixtures. PSV coach Peter Bosz described the collapse of the move as “a surprise,” saying he believed the clubs had reached an agreement and that he expected to meet the player and reintegrate him into the PSV squad.
Context at Rangers
Rangers have been active in the transfer market this summer, having already signed multiple players. Club chairman Andrew cavenagh was quoted by the BBC as expecting further arrivals and some departures. Manager Derek McInnes has prioritised adding creativity on the wings, which was the rationale for targeting Driouech, who predominantly operates on the left.
Immediate implications for both clubs
- Rangers: The decision shifts focus back to targets who are available to play straight away as they prepare for Premier Sports Cup and European qualifying matches. The club will continue recruitment to add wing creativity, per the BBC.
- PSV: Driouech will return to training and selection contention; Bosz indicated he expects to speak with the player and bring him back into the squad when ready. PSV will now retain a winger who contributed goals and assists last season.
Where this leaves the transfer — confirmed move, negotiations or rumours?
Rangers’ withdrawal ended this particular transfer negotiation; this is a confirmed collapse of a proposed move rather than an ongoing bid or fresh rumour. The BBC reports Rangers have explicitly abandoned the deal because of the player’s injury and the need for immediate availability.
Timeline of the story
- Earlier in the summer: Driouech moved to PSV in 2024 and featured across the previous season for the Dutch champions.
- 6–13 August 2026 window: Reports linked Rangers with Driouech and the player attended Rangers’ Ibrox match.
- 13 August 2026: BBC reports Rangers withdrew from the proposed deal because Driouech was injured; PSV coach Peter Bosz said the collapse was a surprise.
Practical impact for fans and betting markets
For Rangers supporters, the immediate takeaway is that the club remains in the market for wide players but will prioritise those able to play without delay. For PSV fans, Driouech’s return bolsters squad depth while the club manages his fitness. This development removes a near-term transfer variable — the player will not be moving to Ibrox on a confirmed basis at this stage.
Open questions and possible next steps
- Whether Rangers will reopen interest in Driouech once he is fully fit is not known; the BBC makes no claim their interest will resume.
- PSV’s plans for Driouech beyond reintegrating him into the squad remain to be seen; Peter Bosz indicated discussion with the player and an expectation he will help the team going forward.
- Rangers’ recruitment: the club will continue seeking wide options ready for selection ahead of upcoming fixtures.
Reporting and sources
This article is based on reporting from BBC Sport, which includes quotes attributed to PSV head coach Peter Bosz and details on Rangers’ decision to withdraw because of an injury concern. Other outlets had earlier linked Rangers with Driouech as transfer interest but the BBC report establishes the collapse of this particular deal.
“Of course that was a surprise” — Peter Bosz on Rangers’ decision (BBC Sport reporting)