Rangers have seen an improved bid for PSV Eindhoven winger Ismail Driouech rejected, with the Dutch club holding firm on their valuation of the Moroccan-born player. The development signals that negotiations between Ibrox and Eindhoven remain some way apart, despite Rangers' apparent determination to strengthen their attacking options. Meanwhile, transfer speculation is swirling around a number of wide players linked with both Rangers and Celtic, and a Hearts forward has also emerged as a potential departure candidate.
PSV Eindhoven have rejected a second, improved bid from Rangers for winger Ismail Driouech
Rangers are actively seeking to bolster their attacking options with wide players this transfer window
Celtic are also linked with winger targets as both Glasgow clubs look to strengthen their squads
A forward from Hearts has attracted interest and is reported to be available for a potential move
Rangers' Pursuit of Driouech Hits a Wall
Rangers' interest in Ismail Driouech has been an open secret for much of this transfer window, but PSV Eindhoven's decision to reject a second bid suggests the Eredivisie club are not willing to let the winger leave cheaply. Driouech, who has shown the kind of directness and technical ability that suits modern wide play, has been a useful squad member at PSV, and the Dutch giants clearly feel his value warrants a fee beyond what Rangers have so far offered. This kind of back-and-forth is common in summer transfer negotiations, but each rejected bid does raise the question of whether Rangers will eventually walk away or return with a third offer.
For Rangers, the need to add quality and depth in wide areas is clear. Competing in both the Scottish Premiership and European competition demands a broad and versatile squad, and the club's management has been open about wanting to bring in creative, dynamic attackers. The Driouech pursuit fits that profile, but financial realities mean there is always a ceiling on what any Scottish club can commit to. Should the gap between the two clubs prove unbridgeable, Rangers would likely need to pivot quickly to alternative targets before the window closes.
Winger Market Heats Up for Scottish Giants
The interest in wide players is not confined to Rangers alone. Celtic have also been linked with winger targets this window, reflecting a broader trend across both clubs to invest in attacking width. In modern football, wide forwards who can beat defenders, contribute goals, and track back defensively are among the most sought-after commodities in the transfer market, and that demand drives prices upward across Europe. Both Glasgow clubs have spent recent seasons trying to find consistent contributors in these positions, making this a key area of focus as they prepare for another demanding campaign on multiple fronts.
The competition between Rangers and Celtic for talent extends beyond the pitch and into the transfer market, where both clubs must balance ambition with financial prudence. Celtic's dominance in the Scottish Premiership in recent seasons has given them a platform that can appeal to certain players, while Rangers continue to rebuild and assert themselves as credible rivals. Whoever secures the better additions in wide areas this summer may find it gives them an edge when the two sides meet in the high-stakes Old Firm fixtures that often define the title race.
Hearts Forward Attracts Transfer Interest
Adding further intrigue to the Scottish transfer landscape is the reported availability of a forward from Hearts. The Edinburgh club have been a consistent presence in the upper reaches of Scottish football in recent years, regularly developing and recruiting players who attract attention from larger clubs both in Scotland and further afield. When a Hearts attacking player is touted for a move, it typically reflects the club's willingness to do business at the right price — a pragmatic approach that has helped them maintain financial stability while remaining competitive.
For any club considering a move for the Hearts forward, the attraction would likely lie in his familiarity with Scottish football and the relative straightforwardness of a domestic transfer compared to navigating deals with foreign clubs. Cross-border or cross-league moves involve additional complexity around work permits, agent fees, and adaptation periods, whereas a player already established in the Scottish game represents a lower-risk proposition. Whether Rangers, Celtic, or another club ultimately make a concrete approach remains to be seen, but the speculation alone underlines Hearts' continued status as a selling club with players worth coveting.
Why it matters
Transfer activity involving Rangers, Celtic, and Hearts shapes the competitive balance of Scottish football and affects which clubs can challenge on both domestic and European stages. For supporters, understanding the ambition and financial strategy behind these moves offers a window into what their clubs are planning for the season ahead. Deals like the Driouech pursuit also highlight the challenges Scottish clubs face when competing for talent against wealthier European leagues.
Common questions
Who is Ismail Driouech and why do Rangers want him?
Ismail Driouech is a winger at PSV Eindhoven known for his pace and directness in attack. Rangers are targeting him as part of a wider push to add creative, wide-forward options to their squad ahead of a busy domestic and European schedule.
Could Rangers still sign Driouech despite PSV's rejection?
It remains possible — rejected bids are a routine part of transfer negotiations, and clubs often return with improved offers. However, if PSV's asking price continues to exceed what Rangers are willing to pay, the Scottish club may look to alternative targets before the window shuts.
