As the transfer window wound to a close at Rangers, Nedim Bajrami was the target the club was desperate to get over the line.
The Gers had already added versatile Feyenoord defender Neraysho Kasanwirjo to their squad before the August 30th deadline with the club’s sights firmly set on Albanian playmaker Bajrami.
But Rangers had been pretty clear that there were another two positions in the squad which the club hoped would be filled by the end of summer transfer deadline.
Philippe Clement has made no bones about his hunt for an experienced midfielder whilst no alternative to left-wing forward Abdallah Sima arrived this summer.
Now, it appears Sassuolo’s decision to move the goalposts on the Nedim Bajrami deal might have led to the collapse of another high-profile Ibrox transfer.
Nedim Bajrami transfer agreement changed at 11th hour
Initially, it had been widely reported that Rangers wanted to sign Nedim Bajrami on loan.
Having been contracted to Serie B side Sassuolo – who were relegated from the Italian top flight last season – it was believed that the Italians wanted the high-earning Albanian back for an assault on Serie A next campaign.
But according to the Rangers Review, the Italians changed tact at the final moment, almost throwing the deal into disarray.
Rangers had made the signing of a quality ‘number ten’ a ‘priority’ this summer following the exit of Todd Cantwell to Blackburn Rovers.
But due to new FIFA rules allowing only six players in any club’s squad to be sent on loan, excluding those trained at the club or those under the age of 21, Sassuolo suddenly changed their mind on Bajrami.
With the lingering threat of Armand Lauriente moving on loan to Galatasaray – a deal which never actually materialised – Sassuolo were instead eager to shift Bajrami permanently.
Rangers stumped up a reported £3.4m to bring Nedim Bajrami to Glasgow, the player having pushed for the move, with this viewed as an ‘attractive deal for an internationalist in the prime age of his career’.
Rangers wanted to sign Samuel Edozie
Alongside Nedim Bajrami, Rangers were also linked to a deadline-busting loan move for Southampton winger Samuel Edozie.
The England youth international came through at Manchester City with Southampton paying £10m to sign Edozie in the summer of 2022.
But the newly-promoted Premier League side’s manager Russell Martin was left ‘disappointed’ by the late collapse of Edozie’s move to Rangers.
The former Rangers defender is clear the deal fell through on the Ibrox end, whilst Martin branded the situation ‘unfair’ on the 20-year-old forward.
“What frustrated me was how late it fell through, and it wasn’t on our end,” Martin said.
“It’s a bit unfair to Sam really. It’s a bit disappointing but it is what it is. Every club has their prerogative and their priorities in the transfer window. I was gutted for Sam because it was too late to then find another opportunity to go and play football.”
As things would transpire, Samuel Edozie would sign a deal to join Anderlecht before the Belgian window closed.
But the fact Rangers pulled out of a deal with the transfer seemingly so far down the line points to the changing nature of the Nedim Bajrami deal having an impact.
Rangers prioritised stumping up to sign the Albanian playmaker and big things are expected of the 25-year-old at Ibrox.
Philippe Clement may well throw Bajrami in against Dundee United as the Gers look to get back to winning ways at Tannadice.
