Djeidi Gassama to profit big time from Derek McInnes hire at Rangers

Djeidi Gassama can be a frustrating forward for Rangers.

Joining in the summer of 2025, there have only been glimpses of what the Mauritania international could provide.

After winning Sheffield Wednesday's player of the year, there was certainly plenty of hype surrounding him.

Then, when Danny Rohl made the move to Ibrox, a reunion with Gassama looked to relight the fire inside the forward.

However, in the end, the German could not get the best out of him.

Now, Derek McInnes, who looks set to arrive as Rangers manager, could have the chance to do what Rohl failed to do.

Why Derek McInnes rates Djeidi Gassama as a threat

Gassama has too often been inconsistent for Rangers, and truthfully, it would not be a surprise to see him sold this summer.

However, there could be life yet for the Mauritanian star with the arrival of McInnes as Rangers boss.

While not yet confirmed, all signs point to the Hearts chief making the switch to Ibrox, and his tactical decision against Rangers last season shows how much he rates Gassama.

Speaking to Edinburgh News back in September, the Hearts manager made a specific tactical decision to limit the Rangers forward.

McInnes admitted that the decision to deploy Harry Milne on the wide right in the 2-0 win at Ibrox was the reason for Hearts' success as it was Rangers' 'stronger' wing.

He stated: "I do think Rangers on the left-hand side are stronger. Obviously, [Djeidi] Gassama didn't start there. We anticipated him starting on the left."

In the end, as McInnes states, the 22-year-old instead started on the bench, but the mere fact he came up with a tactical plan with Gassama in mind shows he believes he is a threat.

Now, with McInnes primed to take over as Gers boss, he could utilise Gassama in the same way he felt he could hurt Hearts.

How does McInnes use his wingers?

McInnes has proven he is able to get the most out of his wingers, with Alexandros Kyziridis a prime example.

In the last season, the Greek winger provided 17 goal contributions across all competitions (six goals and 11 assists).

Of course, with Lawrence Shankland also now at Rangers, McInnes could have the chance to deploy Gassama in a similar role to provide chances to the Scottish forward.

Time will tell what happens, but for Gassama, there may be light yet for his Ibrox career.

Perhaps it is too soon to give up on the 22-year-old without seeing him under a different manager.