NafisaRangers supporters have been handed another major reason for concern ahead of next month’s eagerly anticipated Old Firm derby, with fresh reports suggesting Nicolas Raskin could finally be heading for the Ibrox exit before the summer transfer window closes.
The Belgium international has been one of the most important players in the Rangers squad and has repeatedly attracted attention from clubs outside Scotland. His future has been a talking point throughout the summer, with reports previously claiming that the midfielder is interested in testing himself at a higher level.
That uncertainty has now returned to the spotlight at a particularly awkward time for Derek McInnes.
The Rangers boss has spent much of the summer rebuilding his squad, bringing in a huge number of new faces as he attempts to transform the team. But Raskin remains one of the established players capable of making a major difference in midfield.
And losing him just weeks before Rangers face Celtic could be a serious blow.
Reports earlier in the summer claimed Raskin had made his desire to leave Rangers clear, with interest from clubs in England and across Europe. TeamTalk reported in June that the midfielder wanted to leave Ibrox in search of the next step in his career.
There has also been reported interest from clubs including Atalanta, Real Betis and Bologna, while Hull City were previously linked with an approach. Rangers were understood to be demanding a significant fee for their prized midfielder.
More recently, Football Insider’s Mick Brown warned that Raskin could leave Rangers late in the window, with clubs often becoming more aggressive as deadline day approaches. A subsequent report claimed Rangers were prepared to lower their asking price in an attempt to generate serious interest.
That is the part which will have Celtic supporters licking their lips.
Raskin’s importance to Rangers was highlighted again during the summer, while supporters have also pointed to his statistical contribution and influence whenever he has been involved.
One Rangers fan discussion described him as statistically the club’s best player last season and warned of the “huge gap” that could be left if he departs.
The timing could hardly be more uncomfortable.
Rangers and Celtic are scheduled to meet in the League Cup quarter-final at Ibrox on September 13, before the sides face each other again in the Premiership at Celtic Park just a week later.
If Raskin does leave before then, McInnes would have to find a way of replacing a player who has become a key component of his midfield while simultaneously preparing for two enormous fixtures against their biggest rivals.
There is, however, an important caveat.
Raskin has not officially left Rangers, and there is no confirmed agreement with another club at this stage. In fact, reports have painted conflicting pictures of his situation, with some suggesting an exit is increasingly likely while others have suggested he could remain at Ibrox if a suitable offer fails to arrive.
That means Celtic fans may have to wait before celebrating.
But from Rangers’ perspective, the concern is very real.
Raskin has only two years remaining on his Rangers contract, and the club may view this summer as an opportunity to maximise his transfer value rather than risk entering another window with his deal running down.
The transfer deadline for Scottish clubs is September 3, giving Rangers time to resolve the situation — but also leaving the door open for a late bid to completely change McInnes’ plans.
For Celtic, meanwhile, the possibility is obvious.
An Old Firm derby is difficult enough without Rangers potentially losing one of their most influential midfielders immediately beforehand.
And if a major European or Premier League club finally meets Rangers’ valuation, the timing of the move could turn into one of the biggest talking points surrounding the first Old Firm showdown of the season.
For now, though, Raskin remains a Rangers player.
But with the transfer window entering its decisive stages, the Belgium international’s future at Ibrox looks anything but settled — and that is exactly the kind of uncertainty Celtic fans will be hoping becomes reality before September’s mouthwatering double-header.
Nafisa
