Versatility is one of the key attributes Rangers have been looking for in recent transfer windows.
When Mohammed Diomande arrived, initially in January and then permanently in the summer, manager Philippe Clement highlighted his ability to play in a variety of different midfield roles.
Jefte, the Fluminense full-back who idolises the legendary Marcelo, has made his mark already as both a left-sided defender and further forward as a winger.
Fabio Silva was brought in as a centre-forward and then fielded out wide.
And in Nedim Bajrami, the Sassuolo utility man who could be on his way to Rangers before Friday’s 11pm deadline, the Glasgow giants could be getting three players in one.
Rangers in talks with Sassuolo over Nedim Bajrami
“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,” explains Sergio Porrini, the former Rangers defender speaking to the Daily Record about a player he knows very well from the Albanian national team.
“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.”
Rangers have been on the lookout for a new left-sided wideman ever since it became clear that Abdallah Sima would not be returning to Glasgow.
The likes of Josip Brekalo, Tiago Gouveia and Norwich City’s wantaway Abu Kamara have all been linked, though Bajrami now appears the most likely addition.
The Daily Record say that Rangers are in talks over a deal that would see the Sassuolo man arrive on loan with an option-to-buy clause in his contract.
“I could see Nedim become an important player for Rangers,” adds Porrini, currently the assistant coach for the Albania.
“I know (Sassuolo) have been relegated but he did well in the Italian top-flight. Rangers would be getting him at a good time. He is 25, he is a good age but he has good international and domestic experience.
“He could be a major player for Rangers. He is creative and makes things happen. Okay, he is not like Paul Gascoigne or Brian Laudrup but Nedim is a good skilful player who can excite the Rangers fans. He is can score goals and get fans off their seats.”
Porrini admits that things did not really work out for Bajrami when he was fielded as a midfielder. He is excellent in possession but can struggle with the defensive aspects when played in a central role, though the former Empoli man has ‘worked hard on that side of his game’.
Versatile, skilfull and carrying a goal threat
Per Sky Italia, Sassuolo paid £5 million to sign Bajrami.
How much Rangers are willing to part with later down the line remains to be seen, though Clement will be hoping he can make a flying start similar to the way he exploded out of the blocks at this summer’s European Championships.
Bajrami scored after just 23 seconds into Albania’s tournament opener against Italy.
“Nedim is also a good type to have in the dressing room,” Porrini adds. “He works hard and is also a very nice guy. He doesn’t see himself as a superstar or anything like that. He is very much part of the team and fits in well, which is also important.
“I think he would fit well into Scottish football and at a big club for Rangers. It would be really exciting to see him at Rangers and as I have said I think he could do well there.”
