NafisaRangers could be heading towards another major transfer battle over one of their most important midfielders, with interest from Turkey reportedly showing no signs of disappearing ahead of the winter window.
The Ibrox side managed to keep hold of Nicolas Raskin during the summer despite attracting interest from several clubs. However, retaining the Belgium international for another campaign has not necessarily ended the uncertainty surrounding his future, particularly with questions remaining over his long-term contract situation.
For Rangers supporters, the concern is not simply that another club wants to sign one of their players. It is the possibility that the circumstances surrounding his contract could gradually weaken the club’s negotiating position, potentially forcing the hierarchy to consider offers rather than risk losing him for nothing.
Now, a fresh report from Turkey has introduced another twist, with Besiktas reportedly preparing to return for the midfielder after three unsuccessful attempts to secure his signature.
And this time, the Turkish club could have an additional card to play: a meeting with a familiar international teammate who has experience of winning the Premier League.
Fourth attempt set to be made for Nicolas Raskin deal
Raskin attracted considerable attention during the summer transfer window, with Aston Villa among the clubs linked with a possible move. Hull City were also reportedly involved in the pursuit, while interest arrived from several European clubs.
Besiktas were another side keen to secure his services, but their previous approaches failed to produce an agreement with Rangers.
According to Turkish outlet Takvim, the Istanbul club are planning a fourth attempt to sign the 25-year-old in 2027. The report suggests they are determined to keep pursuing the midfielder despite their previous setbacks.
The proposed approach could also involve Leonardo Trossard, who reportedly won the Premier League with Arsenal last season before joining Besiktas.
The report claims Trossard could be used to help convince his international teammate that a move to Turkey would be the right step. A meeting between the pair is reportedly being planned, allowing Trossard to discuss Besiktas and Turkish football with Raskin.
That would give Besiktas another potential route into negotiations, although there is no guarantee that a conversation between the players would change the midfielder’s position.
Raskin’s future remains particularly significant because of his contract situation. The report states that his current deal runs until the end of next season, meaning Rangers could face a difficult decision if fresh terms are not agreed.
With the January window approaching, the possibility of a sale could become more pressing if there is no progress over an extension. Allowing his contract to run down would risk leaving Rangers with considerably less control over the outcome.
For now, however, Besiktas’ reported interest remains a potential development rather than confirmation that a transfer is close.
Rangers expected to hold Nicolas Raskin talks after failed Ibrox exit
Rangers’ valuation of Raskin was a major factor in the summer, with reports suggesting the club wanted as much as £25 million for the midfielder.
Such a fee would represent a significant sale for the Glasgow club and potentially break their existing transfer record. It would also reflect the importance of a player who has attracted interest from multiple sides.
However, the latest report from Turkey suggests Besiktas could believe an offer in the region of £13 million might be enough to tempt Rangers into negotiations.
That would be a substantial reduction from the reported summer asking price. The suggestion appears to be linked to the time remaining on Raskin’s contract and the possibility that his value could decline as his deal moves closer to its expiry.
There is no confirmation that Rangers have accepted that lower valuation or that the club would be willing to sell for that amount. The figure should therefore be treated as a reported indication of what Besiktas may consider rather than an agreed transfer fee.
From Rangers’ perspective, the situation presents a familiar dilemma. They must weigh the value of keeping an influential midfielder against the financial risk of allowing uncertainty over his future to continue.
If Raskin is willing to sign a new contract, the club could strengthen its position and reduce the threat of losing him for a reduced fee. If negotiations fail to progress, January could become an important point in deciding whether to listen to offers.
Even if Besiktas meet Rangers’ financial demands, there would still be the question of whether Raskin himself wants to make the move. A transfer depends on more than an agreement between clubs, and the midfielder would need to be convinced that the destination fits his ambitions.
That is where Trossard could potentially play a role, should the reported meeting take place.
For Rangers supporters, the key issue is whether the club can secure Raskin’s future before the transfer speculation gathers further momentum. Besiktas may be preparing another attempt, but the outcome will ultimately depend on the player’s wishes, Rangers’ valuation and whether a deal can be agreed.
With a fourth approach reportedly being considered, the uncertainty surrounding Raskin is unlikely to disappear quietly.
Nafisa
