NafisaRangers are closing in on one of the biggest transfer moves of their summer after holding positive talks over Nicolas Raskin’s proposed switch to Villarreal, with the Belgian’s departure expected to trigger two major arrivals at Ibrox.
The midfielder has attracted strong interest following his impressive performances over the past year, and negotiations between Rangers and the La Liga side are understood to be progressing well.
According to reports, Villarreal are discussing a deal worth around €20 million plus add-ons, with both clubs working towards reaching a final agreement. While Manchester United have also been credited with monitoring Raskin’s situation, Villarreal are currently leading the race for his signature.
Should the move be completed, Rangers will receive a significant financial boost that Derek McInnes intends to reinvest immediately as he continues his squad rebuild.
The first player expected to benefit from those funds is Tromso midfielder Jens Hjerto-Dahl.
Rangers have stepped up negotiations with the Norwegian club over a deal believed to be worth close to €6 million, and the player’s desire to move to Ibrox has handed the Scottish giants a major advantage.
Personal terms are understood to be agreed in principle, leaving the two clubs to settle the remaining details before a transfer can be completed.
But Hjerto-Dahl is not expected to be the only midfield arrival.
Rangers are also on the verge of announcing the signing of Vanja Dragojevic, with the Partizan Belgrade captain having reportedly travelled to Glasgow to undergo his medical and complete the final paperwork on his move.
The 20-year-old Serbian international is regarded as one of the brightest young midfield talents in his country and is expected to become another key piece of McInnes’ long-term rebuild.
The double swoop would dramatically reshape Rangers’ midfield following Raskin’s expected exit.
Club officials believe the strategy highlights a sustainable transfer model, with the sale of an established star creating the financial flexibility needed to recruit multiple younger players capable of making an immediate impact while also increasing in value over time.
McInnes has already strengthened his squad with the arrivals of Lawrence Shankland, Ross McCrorie, Ben Godfrey, Ivor Pandur, Dan Neil and Cammy Devlin, and Rangers are showing no signs of slowing down in the market.
If Raskin’s move to Villarreal is completed in the coming days, Rangers supporters could quickly see two exciting new midfielders arrive through the doors at Ibrox as the club pushes to build a squad capable of challenging for major honours once again.
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