Couhaib Driouech Speaks Out On Failed Rangers Transfer And Admits Disappointment
PSV Eindhoven winger Couhaib Driouech has broken his silence on his collapsed move to Rangers, revealing that a “difference of opinion between doctors” led to the £7million transfer falling through at the eleventh hour.
The 24-year-old Moroccan wide man looked destined for Ibrox last week before Rangers decision-makers pulled the plug, citing medical concerns and predicting an extended period on the sidelines.
Driouech and his entourage were at Ibrox on Thursday (13 August) as the Gers bowed out of the UEFA Europa League qualifiers after a 1-1 draw against Jagiellonia Bialystok in the second leg.
However, he is now back with PSV Eindhoven, after it emerged that the Light Blues pulled out of the agreement due to injury concerns.
Couhaib Driouech reveals exact injury that led to Rangers transfer collapse
Speaking directly to ESPN NL after returning to open training with PSV on Tuesday (18 August), Driouech directly disputed the severity of the medical prognosis provided during negotiations in Glasgow.
He said: “It was a roller coaster of emotions, but I’m back. There was a difference of opinion between the doctors.
“I had a small tear in my upper leg. I think it was made out to be worse than it was because I also took a knee to the thigh that week, which turned into a bruise.
“I feel good and I’m back on the pitch. I have no control over what they decided over there.”
Driouech candidly admitted that processing the sudden breakdown of the move required time to adjust, having already mentally prepared himself for life in Scottish football.
The Morocco international admitted that it was a “shame” that his move to Ibrox ultimately did not go through.
He added: “I would have thought it was a great step. It’s a shame.
“Mindset-wise, you’re basically already there. You already visualise yourself playing in a different kit, but this isn’t the first time something like this has happened to me. It sucks, but it is what it is.”
With his physical issues completely behind him, the winger hopes to be named in Peter Bosz’s matchday squad when PSV take on FC Groningen this weekend.
While Driouech reiterated his gratitude toward PSV and expressed content remaining in Eindhoven, he notably refused to close the door on a potential move elsewhere before the summer transfer deadline passes, leaving his long-term future uncertain as the final days of the window approach.
Whether Derek McInnes and Co. will go on to regret passing up the chance to sign Driouech remains to be seen.
The Ibrox outfit have turned their attention towards other targets, with Brighton already rejecting a £7m bid for Amario Cozier-Duberry.
They are in talks over a bargain deal for Lechia Gdansk winger Camilo Mena.
