Rangers' preference for a permanent transfer in the case of Nedim Bajrami is rooted as much in contract strategy as it is in finances.
The Albanian international has attracted fresh interest this summer, but Rangers have consistently made it clear they would rather negotiate a permanent sale than sanction another temporary departure.
That stance is largely explained by Bajrami's contract situation.
The midfielder signed a four-year deal when he joined Rangers from Sassuolo in the summer of 2024, meaning he now has two years remaining on his current contract.
If Rangers were to agree to a season-long loan with only an option to buy, Bajrami would return to Ibrox next summer with just 12 months remaining on his deal should the purchasing club decide against activating the clause.
That scenario would significantly weaken Rangers' negotiating position and leave the club at risk of seeing the player's transfer value fall further.
It would also increase the possibility of Bajrami entering the final year of his contract, where interested clubs would be in a much stronger position to negotiate a reduced fee.
Bajrami linked with Italy and Saudi Arabia
He has been linked with numerous Serie A and B clubs, with Sassuolo interested in a return to the club via a loan. However, Saudi Pro League side Al Taawoun FC are leading the race for his signature.
His national manager, former Arsenal, Barcelona and Manchester City full back Sylvinho, previously called for the midfielder to move on from Ibrox.
He said: "It's true that I am not happy or satisfied with his position at his club.
"And he is not satisfied either. But I look at his numbers and have faith in him."
Rangers would preferred a straightforward permanent transfer throughout the current window to get a player who has never secured a starting spot off the wage bill.
A loan with an obligation to buy would offer greater protection, guaranteeing a future fee while allowing a buying club to spread the financial cost. However, an option to buy leaves the final decision entirely in the hands of the borrowing club.
With Derek McInnes continuing to reshape his squad, Rangers are keen to move players on permanent deals wherever possible to generate funds and avoid future uncertainty.
That explains why the structure of any Bajrami deal has become almost as important as the transfer fee itself, with Rangers determined not to leave themselves in a weaker contractual position 12 months from now.
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