Rangers sign Bajrami & Kasanwirjo as Cantwell exits

He helped them win promotion to Italy’s top flight before switching to Serie A rivals Sassuolo in January 2023 on loan with an obligation to buy.

However, they suffered relegation last season and he leaves having made 28 starts – three this season – and 25 substitute appearances.

Internationally, he played for Switzerland until under-21 level but has 26 caps, scoring five goals, for Albania.

The deal for 22-year-old Kasanwirjo, who spent last season on loan to Rapid Vienna in the Austrian Bundesliga, contains an option to make it a permanent transfer next summer.

Rangers manager Philippe Clement expects Kasanwirjo, who has made two appearances in the Eredivisie this season for Feyenoord, to be “a big asset” because of his versatility.

“He can play in a number of defensive positions and will be a good option for the squad with the domestic and European commitments we have this campaign,” the Belgian told Rangers’ website.

Born in Amsterdam, Kasanwirjo came through the youth ranks with Ajax before joining Eredivisie rivals Groningen at the end of his contract in 2021.

He spent two years there before moving to Feyenoord in January on a four-and-a-half-year contract.

Overall, he has made three starts and nine substitute appearances for Feyenoord, while he made 25 starts and three more from the bench for Rapid.

Kasanwirjo becomes Rangers’ 10th summer signing and arrives hours after winger Scott Wright was sold to Birmingham City.

The Netherlands Under-21 international will provide a much-needed defensive option for Phillipe Clement after Ben Davies also joined the Blues earlier this week.

Kasanwirjo, who was known to Rangers director of football recruitment Nils Koppen from their homeland, said he “had a good feeling” after speaking to Clement and believes it is “a good step for me”.