Rangers Striker Ryan Naderi Faces International Tug-of-War
Ryan Naderi has barely settled into life at Rangers, and already three national teams are circling.
According to Bild, the 23-year-old is close to a call-up from the Czech national team, with sporting director Pavel Nedved already making contact. The message is clear: they want him, and they want him soon.
Naderi’s story is tailor-made for an international battle. Born in Dresden to a Czech mother and a Bulgarian father, he sits at the crossroads of three footballing nations. Bulgaria’s federation has already tried to bring him on board in the past. He turned them down. The Czech Republic, though, is said to be a different proposition, one he is far more open to.
Germany cannot ignore that. With Jürgen Klopp stepping in as the new national coach and preparing to overhaul the DFB setup, Naderi has suddenly become a name to monitor. If Klopp sees a future for him in a Germany shirt, he would have to act quickly before the Czechs lock him in.
There is a hurdle for Prague. For Naderi to play for the Czech Republic, he first needs to secure a Czech passport. Only then could he be cleared to feature in competitive fixtures. At this stage, it remains unclear whether the paperwork could be completed in time for the upcoming Nations League clashes with Croatia, England (twice) and Spain. The clock is ticking.
From Dresden prospect to Old Firm creator
Naderi’s rise has been steady rather than explosive, but the numbers tell a convincing story.
He came through the youth ranks at Dynamo Dresden, then left for Borussia Mönchengladbach at 17, chasing a pathway into top-level football. The real breakthrough arrived in 2024 with Hansa Rostock in the 3. Liga. Across 45 appearances, he produced 13 goals and nine assists, a strong return for a young striker still learning the trade.
At 1.94 metres, he is every inch the classic centre-forward. A target man, yes, but not a static one. His form in Germany persuaded Rangers to move decisively last winter, paying a 3. Liga record fee of €5.5 million to bring him to Glasgow.
He has repaid that faith quickly. In 21 appearances for Rangers, Naderi has six goals and six assists. Last weekend, on the biggest domestic stage of all, he left another mark: an assist in the Old Firm as Rangers swept Celtic aside 3-0, and an important role in the build-up to another goal. Performances like that get noticed well beyond Scotland.
Klopp watching as decisions loom
While the Czechs push and Bulgaria wait in the wings, Germany have their own plans. In the upcoming international window, Klopp’s side face the Netherlands, Serbia and Greece (twice). The new coach is expected to name an unusually large squad, using the games to test a wide range of players and throw in a few surprises.
That kind of experimental phase is exactly when a late-blooming, 1.94-metre centre-forward with Bundesliga-system schooling and Old Firm pedigree can slip into the conversation.
For now, the ball is at Naderi’s feet. Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Germany – three doors, one career-defining choice. How long can he keep them all open?
