Rangers might just have signed six players in one on the final day of the summer transfer window.
Because, in Neraysho Kasanwirjo and Nedim Bajrami, Philippe Clement is bagging himself two footballers who could soon be challenging Dujon Sterling for the status of Rangers’ most versatile operator.
Kasanwirjo joins on loan from Feyenoord.
The Dutch under 21 international struggled to really make his mark at the 2023 Eredivisie champions but arrives at Ibrox after an impressive season with Rapid Vienna in Austria.
Bajrami, meanwhile, is best known for his 23-second strike against Italy at the European Championships. Avid Serie A viewers will tell you, however, that the silky Albanian has been one of Serie A’s more under-the-radar attacking talents for some time, shining even despite Sassuolo’s relegation last term.
Rangers sign Neraysho Kasanwirjo and Nedim Bajrami
Clement confirmed during his Saturday press conference that this weekend’s Old Firm derby clash with Celtic will come too soon for Bajrami.
The requisite paperwork has not yet been completed.
Kasanwirjo could have a place in the matchday squad, however, with the manager admitting that he will be available straight from the off.
When pressed on what his two deadline day additions will bring to the Rangers squad, meanwhile, Clement highlighted Kasanwirjo’s adaptability and the fact that the 22-year-old his experience of playing in front of a fevered atmosphere at one of the biggest clubs in the country.
Bajrami, like Kasanwirjo, can also play in three different positions, anywhere across the frontline. Hence the six-in-two claim we made earlier, Rangers landing themselves two extremely flexible talents capable of contributing in multiple areas.
“Neraysho is a versatile defender,” Clement says, broadcast on Rangers’ official YouTube channel.
“The important thing for me also is that he’s used to playing in Feyenoord, in De Kuip. A stadium where you have a similar atmosphere to Ibrox, with fans who are demanding, who are on top of the players, who are on top of the pitch.
“Even though he’s a young player, he has the experience – also with Holland U21 – and playing abroad already.
“He can give us versatility to be one of the centre-backs. But (Kasanwirjo) also can play on right or left full-back. He gives more depth in the squad in that way.
“With Nedim Bajrami, we have somebody with experience at the highest levels, who can play in midfield, but also can play on the wings.
“So, that helps the squad in the totality.”
Albania ace a ‘really exciting’ addition at Ibrox
Kasanwirjo is likely to compete with John Souttar and fellow Eredivisie import Robin Propper for a starting spot in the centre of Clement’s defence.
Bajrami, meanwhile, could make his home on the left-hand side of the attack. A natural left-footer, he likes to drift inside from the flank and should add some balance to a Rangers side who’s wide options have looked a little lopsided of late.
Sergio Porrini, the former Rangers defender, knows Bajrami well from his time as Albania’s assistant coach. And he believes the £3.5 million signing could be a ‘really exciting’ addition due to his rasping long-range shots and his defence-splitting talents.
“He is an attacking midfielder. Nemid can play as a number ten or in a 4-3-3, he can play on the left or right wing,” Porrini tells the Daily Record.
“If he plays wide, he prefers to play on the left even though he is right footed. He is very good coming from the left with his right foot because he has a dangerous shot from distance. He scores a lot of goals from outside the box.
“Nemid also had quality in the final third and has the vision and range of passing to be really dangerous and create things. He is very much an offensive player. Maybe (he) isn’t the strongest but he has great technique and comes alive in and around the opposition box.”
