Notts’ newest addition hasn’t had the easiest road in football. At just 22, Geraldo Bajrami has seen an astonishing amount at such a tender age. Released at 21, suffered a hernia injury requiring an operation, a magical FA Cup run, and perhaps most importantly a survivor of a war, Bajrami’s story is a complex one.
Born in Birmingham in 1999 to two Albanian refugees fleeing the war in Kosovo, Bajrami didn’t have the easiest start in life. Whilst the conflict officially ended on June 11 1999, 3 months before Bajrami was born, Kosovo was completely decimated, and the status of Kosovo as a sovereign state still remains unresolved as a result. Bajrami was one of the lucky ones to get out, and the young defender is under no illusions as to who to thank; in an interview in 2018 he said ‘They sacrificed a lot to bring me over here so I have got to make the most of it’. Clearly Bajrami is going to make the most of his chance of being a professional footballer, and his move to Notts is a great step in that journey.
Despite being born and raised in England, Bajrami is clearly proud of his Albanian roots. With 8 caps at U21 level, Bajrami holds both an English and Albanian passport, and the potential that he may one day win full international honours for Albania isn’t totally outside the realms of possibility. Midfielder Yiber Ramadani of Aberdeen has 20 caps, and this summer recent Notts loanee Jayden Richardson joined the Scottish outfit, indicating Bajrami probably isn’t as far off the level as some might think. Furthermore, Ipswich Town midfielder Armando Dobra was recently called up to the national squad, and Ipswich currently find themselves in League One, a level many feel Bajrami could comfortably play.
Bajrami is a player who is not only determined off the pitch, but also tenacious on it. An instrumental part of a Kidderminster side who not only reached the playoffs in the National League North, but also went on a historic FA Cup run, reaching the 4th Round before finally succumbing to Premier League West Ham United. Praised for his performances throughout, Bajrami is a strong and intelligent operator, who showcased his ability to read the game by featuring further forward in a central midfield role on many occasions last term. Blessed with a terrific range of passing, Bajrami has been earmarked for a move to the top, and Notts could consider the signing something of a coup.
It would be fair to say Bajrami hasn’t had it easy off the pitch, but he’s also not had it easy on it. Twice rejected by Birmingham in his youth, Bajrami battled his way into the first team, given his first taste of senior football under Spaniard Pep Clotet. Whilst it’s generally accepted Bajrami impressed in his outings for the Blues, he found first team action hard to come by. Ultimately, last summer he was rejected by Birmingham for a 3rd time; he found himself without a club. Whilst Bajrami couldn’t have foreseen the dizzying heights he’d experience whilst at Kidderminster, his decision was still an impressive one; he now has a full season of men’s football under his belt, in a very tough, demanding, physical game. Bajrami will be ready to step into the Notts first team, and his full season of experience will prove vital as he should take less time to adjust.
This wouldn’t be an xNonsense article without at least some statistical or analytical view, and Bajrami is a player who excels in both the eye test but also statistically too. Bajrami is excellent with the ball, making 10.02 progressive passes per 90, with 70% of these being successful. From an on the ball perspective, Bajrami fits the bill perfectly, something which is a pre requisite for any Notts defender. Bajrami isn’t just a flashy defender however; he won a brilliant 74.33% of his defensive duels last season, showing he is equally impressive in defence as he is on the ball. At 6ft2, Bajrami will perhaps be disappointed with his 59.23% success rate in the air, an area he can certainly improve on. The stats do show however that Notts have a very talented defender on their hands, one who is determined to make the best of every opportunity given to him.
Bajrami has been on a journey anyone would be proud of; facing adversity at almost every turn, the defender will be hoping his time at Notts will be a lot simpler. Whilst it won’t be plain sailing, as every National League season has it’s twists and turns, Bajrami is well equipped to deal with the challenges he will face. A warrior on and off the pitch, Bajrami’s story in football has just begun.
Articles referenced: https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/birmingham-city-gelardo-bajrami-qpr-14463079
All stats taken from Wyscout
xN: Expected Nonsense 