Rangers midfielder Nedim Bajrami has suffered a significant continental registration block after the Financial Sustainability Committee rejected his AFC Champions League Two eligibility for Al-Taawoun.
The 26-year-old departed Ibrox in August on a season-long loan agreement. The Saudi Arabian side holds a £2.5 million purchase option ahead of next summer.
Asian Champions League Eligibility Denied
Bajrami remains available for domestic fixtures. The playmaker has already made five appearances for his new club, featuring four times in the Saudi Pro League and once in the King’s Cup.
However, strict financial restrictions mean the Buraydah-based side cannot field their new arrival in the Asian equivalent of the Europa League. Al-Taawoun must now either reshuffle their existing squad list or accept his total ineligibility for the competition.
Purchase Clause Faces Operational Uncertainty
This administrative restriction creates commercial concerns for Rangers transfer planning. The Albanian international previously made 63 appearances in Glasgow, recording seven goals and five assists before his departure.
He remains under contract at Ibrox until 2028. Missing out on continental fixtures restricts his game time and development in the Middle East.
Reduced squad inclusion could ultimately deter Al-Taawoun from activating their permanent transfer clause at the end of the campaign. Derek McInnes takes his squad to face Celtic in the Scottish Premiership on Sunday 20 September.
