NafisaRangers are reportedly considering selling Nicolas Raskin before the summer transfer window closes, with growing interest in the Belgian midfielder putting his future at Ibrox under increasing scrutiny.
The 25-year-old has been one of Rangers’ most important players and remains a key part of Derek McInnes’ plans, but the club are also facing a major decision over whether this summer represents their best opportunity to cash in on one of their most valuable assets.
Reports have suggested Rangers could be prepared to lower their asking price in the closing stages of the window to encourage serious offers. Football Insider reported earlier this week that the club may have to compromise on their previous valuation if they want to maximise Raskin’s value before his contract situation becomes more problematic next summer.
Rangers facing major Nico Raskin decision:
Raskin’s stock has risen considerably after his performances for Belgium at the World Cup, with clubs across Europe understood to have monitored his situation.
Rangers had previously been demanding figures approaching £25million for the midfielder after initially valuing him at around £20m. Hull City, Real Betis and Bologna have all been linked with the player, while more recent reports have pointed to interest from Fenerbahce.
Fenerbahce have reportedly made contact over a potential move, although there remains uncertainty over whether that interest will develop into a formal offer. Villarreal and Real Betis have also continued to feature in the wider speculation surrounding Raskin.
The situation has become particularly interesting because Rangers appear to have two competing priorities.
On one hand, McInnes knows exactly how valuable Raskin is to his team. The midfielder has already demonstrated his importance since the manager’s arrival and remains one of the strongest performers in the squad.
On the other, Rangers cannot ignore the financial opportunity presented by a significant sale.
Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown has argued that Rangers may have “no choice” but to sell if they want to extract the maximum possible fee, particularly because Raskin will have only one year remaining on his contract next summer.
That creates a ticking clock for the Ibrox hierarchy.
If Rangers keep Raskin beyond this window and fail to secure a new contract, his market value could drop considerably over the following 12 months.
McInnes has already admitted Raskin could be a “flight risk”, while insisting the player remains committed to helping Rangers whenever he is available. Recent reports have also suggested that the club are preparing for the possibility of several departures before the window shuts, with Raskin among the most valuable names attracting attention.
Raskin’s absence against Jablonec only added fuel to the speculation earlier this month.
The Belgian was left out of Rangers’ starting XI for the first leg of their Conference League play-off, with McInnes explaining that the midfielder was managing an ankle injury and had required an injection following the previous weekend’s victory over St Mirren.
McInnes was also clear that Raskin’s omission was not connected to transfer speculation.
However, with interest in the player continuing to circulate, every development is inevitably being scrutinised.
Rangers may now have to decide how much they are willing to sacrifice on the pitch in exchange for a potentially transformative transfer fee.
Selling Raskin for the right price would give McInnes significant funds to continue reshaping his squad. The manager has already made it clear that he wants further additions, particularly in attacking areas, and Rangers could potentially reinvest a substantial portion of a Raskin windfall.
But losing one of the team’s best midfielders at this stage of the season would carry obvious sporting risks.
That is why the coming days could prove crucial.
With clubs across Europe’s major leagues beginning to assess their squads more seriously before deadline day, Rangers may finally receive the kind of offer that forces them into a decision.
For now, Raskin remains a Rangers player.
But with the club reportedly prepared to reconsider their valuation and interest continuing to build, the possibility of the Belgian leaving Ibrox before the window closes is becoming increasingly difficult to dismiss.
Nafisa
