Rangers Make Badredine Bouanani Decision After Late Loan Twist

Rangers have reportedly ended their pursuit of VfB Stuttgart winger Badredine Bouanani as Derek McInnes considers other options before Scotland’s transfer deadline. Sky Sports Germany journalist Dennis Bayer reported that Strasbourg had entered advanced negotiations with Stuttgart over a loan for the 21-year-old, with Rangers and Schalke no longer in the race.

That proposed move has since fallen through. Sky later reported, via German outlet Fussball Transfers, that Bouanani would join neither Strasbourg nor Werder Bremen, who made a deadline-day approach.

The Algeria international therefore remains a Stuttgart player for now, although a move to a market still open has not been ruled out. The unexpected development does not appear to have revived Rangers’ interest.

Rangers News reports that the Light Blues are no longer pursuing Bouanani and are assessing alternatives. Work is understood to be continuing on at least one more addition before Scotland’s window closes at 5 pm on Thursday.

Bouanani emerged after Rangers suffered a setback in their pursuit of Brighton winger Amario Cozier-Duberry. However, it is now unclear whether McInnes is interested in adding another winger on the right following Daisuke Yokota's signing.

Bouanani joined Stuttgart from Nice in August 2025 and signed a contract running until June 2030. He offers an alternative route to attack by cutting in from the right into the penalty area.

That would've suited what McInnes was looking for. Nevertheless, during his time at Nice, the winger scored five goals and seven assists across 70 appearances. The Algerian international then spent the second half of the 2023/24 season on loan at Lorient.

Bouanani has the experience and flexibility, but his first season in the Bundesliga saw no goal involvements whatsoever. Likewise, the 21-year-old might be a risky profile to sign right now.

With the Kevin Kelsy deal only pending an official announcement, the Gers might be done with transfer business this window. McInnes also revealed that Rangers were "getting closer" to one more signing, believed to be Kelsy.

Likewise, the Scottish gaffer acknowledged the signing was likely to be their final addition. However, the manager did not name the striker, and Rangers might still be working towards another move that much of the media is unaware of.

Nevertheless, the focus will now turn to bouncing back from a bumpy start to the season. Despite winning their first Scottish Premiership game against Aberdeen, the Gers were knocked out of Europe and will now play two games without their manager on the touchline.