Why Rangers were forced to drop Esmir Bajraktarevic transfer interest

Rangers are expected to confirm the signing of striker Kevin Kelsy from Portland Timbers today, while the Ibrox side are also working to complete a deal for Stuttgart winger Badredine Bouanani before the 5pm transfer deadline.

PSV winger Esmir Bajraktarevic had also emerged as another option for Rangers, with a loan move reportedly on the table. Despite the collapse of their previous attempt to sign Couhaib Driouech, relations between Rangers and PSV were said to remain positive.

Had Rangers managed to bring in both Bouanani and Bajraktarevic, Derek McInnes would have had significantly more depth and competition available on the wings. However, it now appears that only Bouanani could arrive before the deadline.

Eindhovens Dagblad journalist Rik Elfrink has reported that there is simply not enough time remaining to complete a loan agreement for Bajraktarevic before the 5pm cut-off.

The PSV winger could still have a potential escape route, with Croatian side Hajduk Split reportedly interested in bringing him in. The transfer window in Croatia remains open until next Monday.

Elfrink confirmed that Rangers had shown genuine interest in Bajraktarevic but believes the remaining time is insufficient to get the deal over the line.

“Rangers FC has indeed shown interest in PSV forward Bajraktarevic, but the time to still realise a (loan) transfer for the PSV player now is too short.”