NafisaRangers supporters had every reason to celebrate after their team delivered a convincing 4-0 victory over St Johnstone, but fresh transfer claims have threatened to steal the spotlight at Ibrox.
Just when the celebrations were getting underway, reports emerged suggesting that one of Derek McInnes’ most important midfielders could be preparing for a lucrative move away from Glasgow.
Nicolas Raskin is reportedly edging closer to a January departure, with Turkish giants Besiktas said to be making progress towards an agreement with Rangers. Even more significantly, reports claim the Belgium international has already agreed to a big-money salary package as he considers the next step in his career.
For McInnes, the timing could hardly be more complicated. Rangers are trying to build momentum after improving their performances in recent weeks, and Raskin has become a crucial part of the manager’s plans.
Losing him midway through the campaign would leave the Scottish side facing a major decision just as they look to maintain their challenge for domestic honours.
However, while the reported agreement over wages has raised eyebrows, the transfer itself remains unconfirmed.
Nicolas Raskin reportedly agrees lucrative Besiktas wages
According to Turkish outlet Sporx, Besiktas are closing in on an agreement with Rangers to sign Raskin when the January transfer window opens.
The reported transfer fee is around £14.2 million, with performance-related bonuses potentially increasing the overall value of the deal. The report also claims that Raskin has agreed to an annual salary package worth approximately £4.1 million with the Turkish club.
That alleged salary agreement is the detail likely to attract the most attention from Rangers supporters. It suggests Besiktas could be prepared to offer the midfielder a lucrative financial package to convince him to continue his career in Turkey.
Raskin was already linked with the Super Lig side during the summer transfer window, but a move failed to materialise after Rangers were reportedly unhappy with the offers they received.
The latest claims suggest the situation may have changed, with Besiktas continuing their pursuit ahead of January.
Nevertheless, the reported agreement on wages does not mean a completed transfer is guaranteed. Rangers have not been confirmed as having finalised a deal, and the claims emerging from Turkey should be treated cautiously until further details are established.
Why Rangers could consider selling their midfield star
Raskin’s future is becoming increasingly important because of his contractual situation.
The Belgian’s current deal is reported to enter its final year next summer, meaning Rangers must consider whether to negotiate an extension or entertain offers while they can still command a substantial fee.
Allowing the midfielder’s contract to run down without securing his future could leave the club in a difficult position. A significant January offer may therefore force the Rangers hierarchy to weigh the financial benefits against the risks of losing one of their leading performers.
However, McInnes would have legitimate reasons to resist a mid-season departure.
Raskin has established himself as an important player since the Scottish manager took charge, helping Rangers improve after a difficult start to the campaign. His partnership with Dan Neil has provided balance and energy in midfield, making the Belgian difficult to replace without careful recruitment.
The manager may be willing to work with Raskin beyond this season, but the final decision could depend on whether the club believes an acceptable contract agreement can be reached.
Derek McInnes faces a major midfield dilemma
Should the reported Besiktas move gather momentum, McInnes could find himself facing a difficult selection problem in January.
Vanja Dragojevic has shown promise since joining from Partizan, but he is still developing and may need more time before being expected to fill Raskin’s role consistently.
Tochi Chukwuani, meanwhile, has struggled to establish himself under McInnes, leaving further uncertainty over Rangers’ options should a departure materialise.
Selling Raskin could provide funds for new arrivals, but the financial benefit would not automatically solve the immediate problem of replacing his influence on the pitch.
January is also a challenging period in which to recruit. Rangers would need to identify a suitable replacement, negotiate a deal and integrate that player into the squad while the season continues.
The risk is clear: a substantial transfer fee could strengthen the club’s finances, but losing a key midfielder without an adequate replacement could undermine the progress McInnes has been trying to build.
Rangers fans await the next development
The reports linking Raskin with Besiktas have created fresh uncertainty around his future, particularly with claims that the midfielder has agreed to a salary package worth £4.1 million annually.
Yet supporters should distinguish between the reported wage agreement and a confirmed transfer. The £14.2 million valuation, proposed bonuses and January move remain claims attributed to Turkish reporting rather than an officially completed deal.
Raskin’s contract situation means Rangers may eventually have to make a significant decision, but the club must also consider the consequences of losing him during a crucial period of the campaign.
For McInnes, keeping the squad competitive will remain the priority. If Besiktas push ahead with their reported interest, Rangers could soon face a major test of their transfer strategy: accept a substantial offer for one of their most influential midfielders or fight to keep him at Ibrox.
After the excitement of the St Johnstone result, the latest transfer claims have given Rangers supporters another major development to watch as January approaches.
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