Nedim Bajrami destroyed after Rangers get ‘pants pulled down’
Rangers have been slammed along with attacking midfielder Nedim Bajrami amid the continuing chaos domestically for Barry Ferguson’s side.
Following Todd Cantwell’s departure to Blackburn Rovers in the summer, Bajrami was signed from Sassuolo to replace the Englishman.
The Albanian cost the Bears £3.4million [Sky Sports], having made headlines during the summer for scoring the European Championship’s fastest-ever goal, finding the back of the net 23 seconds into his side’s 2-1 defeat to Italy.
Bajrami’s age and experience were cited as huge bonuses for former Rangers boss Philippe Clement, who had “kept his eye on” the Albanian for a period of time.
Rangers savaged by Tam McManus for Nedim Bajrami deal
In spite of the high hopes that accompanied his move to Scotland, Bajrami has endured a miserable spell at Rangers, only starting 13 games in the Premiership.
The Albanian has slid down the pecking order and finds himself behind a number of midfielders, including 18-year-old Bailey Rice, who started ahead of the former Sassuolo man against Athletic Club in the Europa League.
Following the 2-2 draw with Aberdeen, Tam McManus posted his thoughts on X, indicating Bajrami is essentially useless, with the ex-Hibernian striker writing: “Rangers have had their pants pulled down paying 3.5m for Bajrami. Does nothing [shrugging emoji] (probably score now etc)”.
The 26-year-old did not score, and the midfielder was substituted in the 68th minute by Ferguson.
Rangers need to address transfer strategy this summer
Football Insider Verdict
If 49ers Enterprises’ takeover is successful, Rangers are likely to find themselves with a boosted transfer budget, and plenty of options to pick from.
However, having a bigger transfer budget than your league rivals is no guarantee for success, as shown across the border with teams like Man United and Chelsea spending big, with little to show for it.
| 2024/25 Premiership standings | Games played | Goals for | Goals against | Points |
| 1. Celtic | 33 | 97 | 22 | 81 |
| 2. Rangers | 33 | 68 | 35 | 66 |
It’s easy to spend money, but it can be difficult to spend it well. Players like Danilo and Bajrami had sizeable outlays spent on them, whilst the Bears have an obligation to make Oscar Cortes’ deal permanent this summer [Rangers].
The trio are not to blame for the club spending money on them, but the current transfer strategy is clearly not working; the 15-point gap to Celtic proves that.
It is possible Bajrami’s fortunes could be lifted again if Ferguson isn’t kept on as manager, with different players’ standing shifting frequently in recent years as the club has cycled through options in charge, but given he was the marquee acquisition at the start of the season his time in Glasgow has not been successful.