NafisaAs another summer of change unfolds across Scottish football, attention is not only focused on new arrivals and managerial appointments but also on the players who could shape the next chapter of the campaign.
With clubs across Europe preparing to strengthen their squads, standout performers from last season are once again finding themselves at the centre of transfer speculation.
For Rangers, the appointment of Derek McInnes has already signalled the beginning of a fresh era at Ibrox. The new boss will be eager to build a side capable of challenging Celtic at the top of the Scottish Premiership, while also making a stronger impact in Europe. However, retaining key figures could prove just as important as bringing in new faces.
That task may become increasingly difficult when some of the club’s top performers continue attracting attention from leagues widely regarded as a step above the Scottish game. Strong campaigns often bring unwanted interest, and Rangers are now facing exactly that situation with one of their most influential stars.
Derek McInnes may already be preparing for life without a player who played a major role under former boss Danny Röhl.
Rangers could be without Nicolas Raskin next season.
Used predominantly in a holding midfield role throughout the campaign, the Belgian contributed seven goals and nine assists across 50 appearances in all competitions.
The Belgium international previously attracted interest from Beşiktaş during the January transfer window but turned down the opportunity in favour of remaining at Rangers.
Raskin is currently representing his country at the World Cup and made a substitute appearance during De Rode Duivels’ 1-1 draw against Egypt.
Entourage pushing for Rangers departure
Belgium are scheduled to face Iran later this weekend. According to Het Laatste Nieuws, discussions surrounding Nicolas Raskin’s future continue to gather momentum.
The report claims the midfielder’s displays for Rangers have attracted widespread admiration from clubs across Europe. It is also noted that Real Betis attempted to sign him last summer before cooling their interest due to Rangers’ €10 million valuation.
However, the most significant detail concerns the player’s inner circle.
According to HLN, Raskin’s entourage would like to see him leave Rangers during the current transfer window. Their approach is summed up by the phrase: “First World Cup, then transfer”.
The former Standard Liège midfielder reportedly believes he is ready for the next stage of his career, while his representatives “absolutely wants” him to secure a move away from Ibrox.
Interest is said to be arriving from clubs in the Premier League, La Liga and Serie A.
Recent reports have already linked Atalanta with the 25-year-old as a potential replacement for Éderson, who is expected to complete a move to Manchester United.
Despite the growing speculation, Raskin insists his immediate focus remains on international duty.
Speaking about his future, he said:
“Of course, it is interesting to show yourself here. But currently, I have put everything at club level on hold. My focus is on the Red Devils and the World Cup. I am not sitting here with a transfer on my mind.”
Rangers face major decision
Nicolas Raskin still has two years remaining on his current contract and is valued at approximately €12 million by Transfermarkt.
The report does not indicate whether Rangers are actively willing to sanction a sale this summer.
However, if the midfielder decides to push for a move after the World Cup, McInnes and the Rangers hierarchy could soon face a difficult choice.
Losing one of their standout performers would represent a significant setback at the start of a new managerial era, but keeping hold of an unsettled player is rarely straightforward. With European clubs circling and the player’s camp seemingly eager for a transfer, this may become one of the biggest stories Rangers supporters follow throughout the remainder of the summer window.
For now, the focus remains on the World Cup. Once Belgium’s campaign concludes, though, attention may quickly shift back to Glasgow—and to whether Rangers can convince one of their prized assets that his future still belongs at Ibrox.
Nafisa
