Only three Albanians have played in the Premier League. That’s fewer than Latvia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Slovenia. It’s the same number as Cyprus.

None of those three Albanians have played for teams that were among the favourites in any Premier League title odds. While no Albanian players would get into the squads of Liverpool, Manchester City, or Arsenal, the lack of Albanians in the Premier League is no more than a fluke. There have been plenty of Albanians capable of playing in Europe’s top five leagues.

Albania impressed against Spain, Italy, and Croatia at Euro 2024. Several members of that squad are good enough to feature for the teams with the shortest Premiership relegation odds in newly promoted trio of Ipswich, Southampton, and Leicester. Paddy Power makes that triumvirate the clear favourites for relegation ahead of Wolves (13/8) and Everton (5/2).

Elseid Hysaj

Rarely first-choice since joining Lazio from Napoli, Elseid Hysaj is a candidate to move to the Premier League in the next couple of years. The Albania captain still has plenty to offer, and his ability to play on the right or left side of defence makes him a very useful squad player.

With extensive experience in UEFA competitions, Hysaj would be a handy signing for clubs looking to add defensive depth. He’s not going to end up at one of the Big Six, but a move to a mid-table team would make sense for both parties.

Nedim Bajrami

Nedim Bajrami arrived at Rangers after impressing at Euro 2024. Bajrami scored the fastest goal in Euros history against Italy and made 31 appearances for Sassuolo in Serie A in 2023/24.

A talented dribbler, averaging 2.2 dribbles per match in the Europa League in 2024/25, Bajrami has been a creative force for Rangers since arriving in August 2024. He’s almost double his key passes average since recording two assists in 28 league appearances for Sassuolo in 2023/24.

The former Empoli attacking midfielder needs to put up some impressive numbers in Scotland if he’s to earn a move to the Premier League. It’s certainly possible. The 25-year-old should continue improving in the coming seasons – his performances in the Europa League will have caught the eye of a few scouts.

Berat Djimsiti

With the fourth-highest market value among Albanian players, Berat Djimsiti could be of interest to Premier League clubs in need of a veteran presence in central defence.

Like Hysaj, Djimsiti has a raft of experience in continental competition, having played in the Champions League and Europa League since joining Atalanta.

At 31 years old, Djimsiti likely has several years left at his peak. He could contribute to a solid Premier League team into 2027 and beyond. While most Premier League teams can offer very competitive wages, it would take a big offer to lure the Albanian international away from Champions League football and a title challenge with Atalanta.