Rangers manager Alex McLeish has made Marseille skipper Brahim Hemdani his second signing of the summer, after beating off competition from European clubs.
The Scottish champions have pulled off a major transfer coup just days after snapping up Hibernian captain Ian Murray.
The French Algerian, who was out of contract, has signed a four-year deal with the Gers as manager Alex McLeish continues his preparations for next season.
Brahim can operate in central defence or midfield and was courted by Bayer Leverkusen and Real Betis.
But chief executive Martin Bain and chairman David Murray convinced the player a move to Ibrox was his best bet.
Murray said on the club's official website: "Alex has been after Brahim ever since watching him captain Marseille against
Newcastle in a UEFA Cup tie two seasons ago.
"Marseille went on to make it to the final that season and along with Didier Drogba, Brahim was one of the major reasons for their success.
"We're talking about a top-quality player who is committed to the idea of playing for Rangers. We have had a huge fight from Bayer Leverkusen and Real Betis over the weekend but Brahim wants to be part of our club and we're delighted."
The 27-year-old spent two years at Cannes and three seasons at Strasbourg before making the switch to the Velodrome.
He was a key player for the French heavyweights and skippered them to the 2004 UEFA Cup final against Valencia, then managed by current
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez.
