How Nedim Bajrami Rangers transfer ended up being permanent instead of loan
Nedim Bajrami looked set to join Rangers on loan at the end of the transfer window but ended up signing permanently in a £3.5million move.
The Light Blues had prioritised bringing in a number 10 during the summer window after Michael Beale had packed the squad full of players in that position that weren't capable of playing in Philippe Clement's system. Technical player Todd Cantwell left for Blackburn Rovers and was replaced by the Albania international.
Bajrami shone at Euro 2024 for his country and has four seasons in Serie A under his belt, two with Empoli and two with Sassuolo. It his hoped he can improve playing in a team at the top of end of their league instead of battling relegation in the Italian top flight.
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All the initial reports on the transfer had suggested it was set to be a loan but that quickly moved on at the end of the window as Gers landed their man on a long-term contract.
Sassuolo were initially reluctant to let the 25-year-old move on a permanent basis and were instead content to allow a high-earner to leave temporarily after the relegation to Serie B. That changed during the final days of the window and Rangers Review are reporting that was down to new FIFA rules on loans.
Clubs are now allowed just six loan spots for players over 21 and non-club trained and there was interest from Galatasaray in their winger Armand Lauriente, with a loan-to-buy deal mooted. The Italians had jut one spot left going into deadline day and so were happy to let Bajrami cut ties for good.
The report adds that the player himself pushed hard for the move to Ibrox and that allowed things to move quickly when they needed to before the deadline. The £3.5m fee was thrashed out and will be made up of instalments.