Rangers made a late move for PSV Eindhoven winger Esmir Bajraktarevic, but they have simply run out of time to get a deal done.
The Scottish transfer window remains open, giving Rangers a little more room to work after most major European markets closed. That prompted genuine interest from Ibrox in the 21-year-old.
However, Eindhoven Dagblad journalist Rik Elfrink says there isn’t enough time left to complete a move. He mentions a loan as one of the possibilities which had been considered.
That means Rangers will have to look elsewhere if they still want another attacking addition before their own deadline.
Rangers looked at PSV winger
Bajraktarevic is primarily a right winger and enjoyed a breakthrough campaign with PSV last season.
He finished it with seven goals and four assists from 38 appearances. PSV also won the Eredivisie for the second season running. He became an Everton target after his 25/26 displays.
His situation has changed considerably at the start of this campaign. Bajraktarevic has made just two appearances so far, which perhaps explains why a late loan could have made sense.
Rangers clearly saw an opportunity there. Unfortunately for them, it appears they spotted it too late.
The winger also had a busy summer with Bosnia and Herzegovina at the World Cup. He featured in all four of their matches and started twice.
Bajraktarevic played in his natural position on the right but didn’t manage a goal or assist during the tournament.
An interesting story behind Rangers target
There is also a slightly unusual international story behind the player. He was born in Wisconsin, USA. His Bosnian parents had fled the war in their homeland before eventually settling in the United States.
He developed at New England Revolution and represented the US at youth level. Bajraktarevic then made his senior USMNT debut in January 2024.
His connection with Bosnia remained strong, though, and he later switched his international allegiance. He made his Bosnia debut that September and provided an assist for Edin Dzeko with his first touch.
PSV then brought the left-footed winger to the Netherlands from New England Revolution.
Rangers won’t be getting him this time. Elfrink’s update makes that clear, despite their interest being genuine.
Given his lack of minutes at PSV this season, though, Bajraktarevic could be one worth remembering for another transfer window.
