Nedim Bajrami is expected to leave Rangers in the coming days according to sources. The Albania international's two-year spell at Ibrox is drawing to a close after failing to establish himself as a regular starter despite playing under four different managers.
Derek McInnes is understood to view Bajrami as one of Rangers' sellable assets as he continues reshaping his squad, with a return to Italy emerging as the most likely destination for the 27-year-old.
High expectations after Euro 2024
Bajrami arrived at Rangers from Sassuolo in the summer of 2024 with an impressive pedigree.
Just weeks earlier, he had written his name into the history books by scoring the fastest goal ever recorded at a European Championship, finding the net after just 23 seconds in Albania's Euro 2024 clash against Italy.
Rangers secured his signature amid significant excitement, with then-manager Philippe Clement believing the attacking midfielder's experience could prove invaluable.
Speaking after the deal was completed, Clement said: "Nedim is someone who has experience of playing in big games and we are delighted that he has decided that Rangers is the right club for him at this point in his career."
Rangers career never took off
Despite the optimism surrounding his arrival, Bajrami never managed to nail down a regular starting place.
Across two seasons, he made 63 appearances for Rangers, scoring seven goals, including a last-minute penalty against this weekend’s opponents Dundee United, but consistently found himself drifting in and out of the side.
Neither Clement, Barry Ferguson, Russell Martin nor Danny Rohl entrusted him with a prolonged run in the starting XI, with fierce competition for places and inconsistent form preventing him from becoming a key figure.
While Bajrami showed flashes of the creativity and technical ability that persuaded Rangers to sign him, those moments proved too infrequent to cement his place in the team.
Albania manager highlighted Ibrox frustration
Bajrami's lack of regular football at club level also became an issue for Albania.
Earlier this year, national team head coach Sylvinho admitted the midfielder was unhappy with his situation at Ibrox.
"He is not satisfied with his situation at the club,” the former Barcelona and Arsenal man revealed.
The comments reflected a growing sense that Bajrami's future lay away from Glasgow after struggling to secure the consistent minutes he had hoped for.
McInnes ready to move on
With McInnes overseeing another squad rebuild, Bajrami is expected to become one of the latest departures before the transfer window closes.
The Rangers boss is prioritising trimming his squad while generating funds for further additions, and Bajrami's exit would represent another step in that process.
A return to Italy is understood to be the most likely outcome, with Serie A and Serie B clubs monitoring his situation after previous spells with Empoli and Sassuolo.
Cammy Devlin handed No. 14
Bajrami's departure will also pave the way for Cameron Devlin to take over the No. 14 shirt for the new season.
The Australian midfielder has quickly established himself as an important member of McInnes' plans since arriving at Ibrox, and the squad number change underlines the growing role he is expected to play.
Bajrami’s Rangers career appears set to end with seven goals in 63 appearances, a spell that promised much after his arrival following Euro 2024 but ultimately failed to deliver the impact either player or club had hoped for.
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