Ryan Naderi: International Tug-of-War for Rangers Striker
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 receiving a call-up from the Czech national team, with sporting director Pavel Nedved already making contact. The approach has pushed Naderi into the middle of a fast-developing battle for his international future.
Born in Dresden to a Czech mother and a Bulgarian father, Naderi has long been on the radar of more than one association. Bulgaria have already tried to lure him, but he turned down those advances. The report now suggests he is more receptive to the idea of playing for the Czech Republic.
Germany cannot ignore the situation either. With Jürgen Klopp taking over as national coach and preparing to overhaul the DFB squad, any interest from him would have to come quickly if Germany want to keep Naderi in their sights.
There are hurdles for the Czechs. For Naderi to represent them, he must first apply for a Czech passport. The timeline is tight. It remains uncertain whether the paperwork could be completed in time for the upcoming Nations League fixtures against Croatia, England (twice) and Spain.
What is not in doubt is why everyone is looking at him.
From Dresden prospect to Rangers’ Old Firm weapon
Naderi came through the youth ranks at Dynamo Dresden before moving to Borussia Mönchengladbach at 17, a switch that underlined his promise early on. His real breakthrough in senior football arrived in 2024 with Hansa Rostock in the 3. Liga.
There, he delivered. Across 45 league appearances, he scored 13 goals and added nine assists. At 1.94 metres, he fits the mould of a classic centre-forward, a physical focal point who can finish and link play.
Rangers moved decisively. In the winter window they paid a 3. Liga record fee of €5.5 million to bring him to Glasgow. Since arriving, he has produced six goals and six assists in 21 outings, numbers that look even better when framed against the step up and the scrutiny that comes with Rangers.
His latest performance will only sharpen international interest. In last weekend’s Old Firm, Naderi set up a goal in Rangers’ 3-0 win over Celtic and was involved in the build-up to another. On a day when Rangers dominated their fiercest rivals, he looked every inch a striker ready for a bigger stage.
Klopp watching as clock ticks
Germany’s schedule gives Klopp a perfect testing ground. The DFB side face the Netherlands, Serbia and Greece (twice) in the upcoming international window, and Klopp is expected to name an unusually large squad to run the rule over a wide range of players. Surprise inclusions are not just possible; they are anticipated.
That context makes Naderi’s situation even more intriguing. If the Czech Republic move first and the passport process runs smoothly, they could secure a powerful, in-form No. 9 just as he starts to blossom at club level. If Klopp sees him as a potential option for Germany, he cannot afford to wait.
Three nations. One rising striker. The next call he answers may define the rest of his career.
