NafisaRangers could be facing a major late-window dilemma with one of their most important players.
The Ibrox club have spent much of the summer trying to strengthen Derek McInnes’ squad, but the closing stages of the transfer window could bring a very different kind of business.
Rather than another arrival, Rangers may have to deal with the possibility of losing a key midfielder.
The situation has been developing quietly, with clubs across Europe understood to have been monitoring the player’s performances for some time.
Rangers have so far stood firm over their valuation, making it difficult for interested clubs to turn their admiration into a formal agreement.
But that stance could soon be tested.
Rangers could face late pressure
Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown believes the situation could become particularly interesting as the deadline approaches.
Speaking to Football Insider, Brown suggested clubs who have been watching the situation could finally decide to make their move.
«“I think everybody is still expecting Nicolas Raskin to leave Rangers this summer.”»
He believes the midfielder’s admirers could become increasingly active when clubs begin assessing their squads in the final days of the window.
«“There’s no doubt he has admirers, there are clubs in the Premier League and across Europe who have been looking at him but have not yet made a move.”»
And that could leave Rangers facing an uncomfortable decision.
The final hours of a transfer window often produce unexpected moves.
Clubs that have spent weeks monitoring targets can suddenly find themselves short in a particular position, while injuries or failed negotiations elsewhere can force them into action.
Brown believes Raskin could become one of those late solutions.
«“I expect they will come forward in the late stages of the window, potentially on deadline day when we see business start to happen almost every year.”»
He added:
«“Clubs tend to panic a bit on deadline day, they look at their squads and think they could still do with additions, so they go out and make moves for players they might not otherwise.”»
For Rangers, that scenario could be particularly awkward.
The contract situation is crucial
There is another reason why Rangers may eventually have to consider selling.
Raskin has only one year remaining on his current contract after the upcoming campaign.
That gives the club a straightforward financial calculation to make.
Keep him and risk entering next summer with considerably less bargaining power, or accept a sizeable offer now while his value remains high.
Rangers have not completely ruled out keeping him, but the prospect of losing significant value later could influence their thinking.
Brown believes Rangers may even become more flexible with their valuation in the closing stages of the window in an attempt to generate serious interest.
That could encourage clubs who previously decided the midfielder was too expensive to revisit the situation.
Plenty of clubs are watching
Raskin’s performances have attracted attention well beyond Scotland.
The Belgian midfielder has established himself as an important figure at Ibrox and has also raised his profile on the international stage.
Reports have previously linked clubs from several major European leagues with the 25-year-old.
In Spain, Villarreal and Real Betis have been mentioned.
Serie A interest has reportedly included Roma, Atalanta and Bologna, while Turkish giants Fenerbahce and Besiktas have also been monitoring the situation.
There is Premier League interest too.
Hull City have already demonstrated just how serious their interest could be after seeing a reported £14 million offer rejected earlier in the summer.
Leeds United and other Premier League clubs have also been linked, while Manchester United and Tottenham have reportedly kept tabs on his progress.
Raskin wants the next step
The midfielder’s own ambitions could ultimately become another important factor.
Football Insider previously reported that Raskin is keen to test himself in one of Europe’s major leagues.
That would give him the opportunity to compete at a higher level and potentially establish himself as a regular in one of Europe’s biggest domestic competitions.
For Rangers, that creates an increasingly difficult situation.
They may want to retain one of their most influential players, but they also need to consider the player’s ambitions and the financial implications of his contract.
And with the transfer deadline approaching, the clock is now ticking.
The question may no longer be whether clubs want Nicolas Raskin.
It may soon become whether Rangers can keep him when those clubs finally put serious money on the table.
Nafisa
