VfB Stuttgart has loaned attacker Badredine Bouanani to Glasgow Rangers just before the close of the transfer window. The 23-year-old will spend the rest of the season in Scotland, as the Bundesliga club announced on Thursday. The loan deal includes a purchase option for Rangers. Bouanani joined VfB from French club OGC Nice in August 2025 for a transfer fee of 15 million euros. His contract in Stuttgart runs until 2030.
Last season, the young forward made 28 competitive appearances under coach Sebastian Hoeneß. He scored two goals and provided two assists. He completed the full 90 minutes only once. This limited playing time led the club and the player to seek a solution together. The officials see the move as an important step for the further development of the talent.
Why the move is important for Bouanani
Sporting director Fabian Wohlgemuth emphasized the importance of game time for the young professional. "Badredine showed his great potential as a young player in 28 competitive matches last season," Wohlgemuth said. "For his further development, it is important to get regular playing time at a high level. Glasgow Rangers offer very good conditions for this." At Rangers, where Bouanani already moved in February 2026 for around 5.5 million euros, he knows the environment. In 18 appearances for the Scottish record champions, he had scored five goals and provided four assists.
What VfB's current situation looks like
Bouanani's departure comes against the backdrop of a difficult start to the season for VfB. After the first matchday, Sebastian Hoeneß's team sits in 18th and last place in the Bundesliga table with 0 points. The record from one game is 0 wins, 0 draws, and 1 loss. The goal difference of minus four results from one goal scored and five conceded. This puts Stuttgart already three points behind leaders Bayern Munich. The next opportunity to earn points comes on September 12th in the away match against TSG 1899 Hoffenheim. The Kraichgauer currently occupy 12th place.
Which players are currently injured
Alongside the transfer activity, VfB is dealing with personnel shortages. Six players are currently unavailable. In defense, Dan Zagadou and Lorenz Assignon are missing. In midfield, Leo Sauer and Luca Jaquez are out. In goal, Dennis Seimen cannot be used, and in attack, Jeremy Arevalo is absent. A complete overview of the squad and injury status is available on our squad page. These absences present tactical challenges for coach Hoeneß, especially looking ahead to the upcoming away game in Hoffenheim.
What the transfer means for VfB
Financially, the loan move provides relief as part of the salary is covered by Rangers. Sportingly, Bouanani's departure may create room for other offensive options in the squad. The focus is now fully on preparing for the match in Hoffenheim. The team wants to quickly end the negative series from the previous season, which culminated in an opening day defeat. The complete table and further statistics can be viewed on our standings page. Bouanani remains a VfB Stuttgart player until 2030.
