Nedim Bajrami: Rangers' X-Factor
The new signing has had a strong start to life in Scottish football.
This is a guest article by Andrew Jeffrey. Follow Andy on Substack and X.
Nedim Bajrami, the Swiss-born Albanian international, has emerged as one of Rangers’ key acquisitions in the transfer window.
His early goal in Sweden on Thursday last week, as Rangers went on to beat Malmo 2-0 in the Europa League, came inside 57 seconds. Back at the Euros in June, he scored in the 23rd second against Italy in the summer, with his eye for goal just one of his attributes.
A versatile attacking midfielder, Bajrami's signing is part of Rangers' ongoing efforts to revamp their squad following a disappointing 2023-24 campaign.
As the club seeks to regain a dominance in Scottish football and make significant progress in European competitions, Bajrami's arrival raises important questions about how his skills and characteristics will fit into Philipe Clement’s system and the broader ambitions of the club.
Bajrami's greatest asset is his versatility. Capable of operating as a central attacking midfielder, on the wing, or even in a deeper playmaking role, he provides Rangers with multiple tactical options.
He has predominantly been deployed in the No. 10 role or as an advanced playmaker, where his vision and technical skills allow him to dictate the tempo of the game.
His passing range is notable, especially in tight spaces, where he can unlock compact defenses—a vital skill in the Scottish Premiership where Rangers frequently face low-block systems.
Additionally, Bajrami has shown an ability to drift wide and exploit space, often cutting inside to create shooting or passing opportunities.
His dribbling ability is another key attribute, making him difficult to dispossess and allowing him to carry the ball forward during transitions.
His technical proficiency, combined with his flair for creative play, could be instrumental in adding a new dimension to Rangers’ attack, which at times has struggled to break down defensively resolute opponents.
Under Clement, Rangers are increasingly leaning toward a high paced, direct possession-based system, with a focus on high pressing and quick transitions. These tactics were on show to great effect against Malmo.
Bajrami's previous experience at Empoli and Sassuolo in Serie A has given him a solid understanding of tactical discipline, pressing, and playing in systems that require a high work rate.
In Italy, he demonstrated his capacity to operate within structured tactical frameworks, an attribute Clement will likely value as he looks to enhance the team's cohesion and adaptability.
At Rangers, Bajrami could slot into the midfield as part of a creative trio or in a more advanced role behind the striker, where his passing and vision can unlock defenses.
Clement's reliance on high-energy pressing also fits Bajrami’s playing style, as he has shown a willingness to press high and recover possession, a trait that could enhance Rangers' ability to dominate games and control the midfield.
However, adapting to Scottish football, which is more physical and less forgiving than Serie A, might present challenges. Bajrami will need to acclimatise quickly to the pace and intensity of the league, where physicality and aggression often take precedence. If he can adjust, his technical skills and intelligence could make him one of the standout midfielders in the league. Plus, there is time for Clement to rotate when needed. Against Hibernian on Sunday, Bajrami was a substitute, with Rangers' boss likely having half an eye on Thursday's Europa League clash with Lyon.
One of Rangers' consistent issues has been the lack of goals and creativity from midfield. Bajrami has the potential to address this gap.
His record at Empoli and Sassuolo proves he is a player capable of contributing not only assists but also goals. His ability to shoot from distance adds an extra threat, and his knack for arriving in the box at the right moment gives him the profile of a midfielder who can score as well as create.
In his most productive season at Empoli, Bajrami was directly involved in 12 goals, a contribution that would be welcomed at Ibrox, especially with Rangers' occasional over-reliance on their forwards.
Bajrami also excels at set pieces, offering Rangers another dimension in attacking situations. His ability to deliver precise corners and free kicks should prove useful, particularly given the aerial prowess of Rangers' defenders and forwards.
One of the most attractive aspects of Bajrami’s signing is his room for development. At 25, he is approaching his peak years but still has considerable potential for growth.
His experience in one of Europe’s top leagues, coupled with his international experience with Albania, shows he is a player who can handle pressure and expectations. Moving to a club like Rangers, where the demand is high, will test his mentality, but there are few concerns about his ability to rise to the challenge.
However, as with any signing, there are potential pitfalls. Bajrami has been prone to inconsistency in the past, particularly during periods when his team has struggled.
At Rangers, where the spotlight is intense and the margin for error is slim, inconsistency will not be tolerated for long.
Furthermore, the Scottish Premiership presents a different set of challenges from Serie A, notably in its faster pace and more aggressive playing style. Bajrami will need to show he can handle this transition smoothly.
Injuries could also be a concern. While not injury-prone per se, Bajrami has missed key parts of past seasons due to minor knocks. Rangers will need to ensure that he is managed carefully, especially given the demands of their domestic and European campaigns.
Bajrami's arrival at Rangers represents a strategic move by the club to add creativity, versatility, and technical quality to their midfield.
His ability to operate in various roles, combined with his passing range and goal contribution, could make him a key figure at Ibrox.
However, for Bajrami to thrive, he will need to adapt to the physicality and pace of Scottish football while maintaining consistency in his performances. If he can overcome these challenges, he has the potential to become a crucial player in Rangers' pursuit of silverware, both domestically and in Europe.