Couhaib Driouech starts fresh in Spain after failed Rangers move

Couhaib Driouech has joined Celta Vigo on a permanent deal after the proposed transfer of the Morocco winger to Rangers FC collapsed.

The 24-year-old has signed a four-year contract with the La Liga club, completing his move from PSV Eindhoven on Tuesday.

Driouech had travelled to Glasgow to finalise a move to Rangers, but the Scottish club called off the transaction after concerns over the length of time he might be unavailable because of an injury. Rangers believed the player could miss several weeks, although PSV Eindhoven strongly disputed that assessment.

After returning to Eindhoven, Driouech quickly rejoined the PSV squad. Celta Vigo then moved to take advantage of the breakdown in negotiations between the player and Rangers.

Driouech had already been left out of PSV’s squad for their 5-1 victory over FC Groningen, with an agreement already in place between the Dutch club and Celta Vigo.

The winger joined PSV from Excelsior in the summer of 2024 and made 61 appearances for the Eindhoven side. He scored 12 goals and provided 10 assists during his time at the club, while also helping PSV win the national championship twice.

Reflecting on his departure, Driouech said the sporting highlights of his time at PSV would remain particularly important to him.

“When I think back to my time at PSV, it is the sporting highlights that will remain engraved in my memory,” Driouech said on the club’s website.

“But more than anything, I appreciate the warmth that comes from this club and the bonds I have formed with the players, the staff, the other employees and the supporters. I would like to thank each and every one of you. I am now looking forward to starting my new adventure at Celta Vigo, but I will continue to follow PSV and I wish the club every success for the future.”

Driouech’s move brings an end to a short but productive spell in the Netherlands. Having arrived from Excelsior in 2024, he established himself as part of PSV’s attacking options and was involved in a team that secured two league titles.

His next challenge will come in Spain, where he will continue his career with Celta Vigo after the aborted Rangers transfer left his future temporarily uncertain.