NafisaRangers supporters had every reason to celebrate after Derek McInnes watched his side deliver another emphatic performance at Ibrox, but the excitement surrounding their convincing victory could soon be overshadowed by a worrying development behind the scenes.
The Gers swept St Johnstone aside with a commanding 4-0 win on Saturday, continuing their push to close the gap on Celtic in the Scottish Premiership.
Kevin Kelsy scored twice, while Ryan Naderi and Tochi Chukwuani also found the net as Rangers produced the kind of attacking display that will have encouraged their supporters.
Kelsy’s latest goals were particularly significant, with the striker continuing to make his mark since arriving at Ibrox. The result also strengthened the feeling that McInnes is beginning to get more out of his squad as Rangers attempt to build momentum in the title race.
However, while the celebrations were still fresh, an uncomfortable transfer story emerged that could leave the Rangers manager facing a difficult decision over one of his most important midfielders.
The concern is not about a player struggling to get into the team. Instead, it involves a key figure whose importance to Rangers makes the possibility of losing him a worrying prospect for supporters.
According to a report from Ibrox News, citing Turkish outlet Sporx, Nicolas Raskin has been linked with a potential move to Besiktas, with eye-catching financial figures reportedly involved. The development raises fresh questions about how Rangers would respond if interest in the Belgian midfielder turned into a concrete offer.
Nicolas Raskin linked with shock Besiktas move
Raskin has become an important part of the Rangers midfield, bringing energy, tenacity and the ability to compete in demanding matches. His performances have helped establish him as a significant figure at Ibrox, making any suggestion of a potential departure particularly concerning for McInnes.
According to the report, Besiktas could revisit their interest in the midfielder during the January transfer window after previously attempting to secure his services.
The Turkish club were reportedly prepared to offer around £14.2 million plus bonuses, while the proposed financial package for Raskin was said to include annual wages of approximately £4.1 million.
Those figures have not been confirmed by Rangers, Besiktas or Raskin, and the reported terms should therefore be treated with caution.
Nevertheless, the possibility of another approach could place Rangers in a difficult position. The club must balance the financial implications of a significant offer against the importance of retaining players capable of helping them challenge for domestic honours.
Raskin is reportedly valued highly at Ibrox, and his contribution to the midfield means replacing him would be far from straightforward.
Why losing Raskin would be a major blow for McInnes
The timing of the speculation is particularly notable because Rangers are attempting to build consistency after their disappointing European qualifying campaign.
McInnes needs his strongest players available if the Gers are to maintain pressure on Celtic and turn promising performances into a sustained title challenge.
Raskin’s midfield partnership with Dan Neil has been an important part of Rangers’ efforts to establish greater control in games. The pair offer energy and balance, helping the team compete in the middle of the pitch while allowing other players to concentrate on their attacking responsibilities.
Losing Raskin midway through the season could force McInnes to reconsider that balance at a crucial stage of the campaign.
Vanja Dragojevic is among the options who could be developed further, while Tochi Chukwuani also provides another midfield possibility. However, having alternatives does not necessarily mean Rangers could immediately reproduce what Raskin brings to the side.
The Belgian’s experience and established role make him a valuable asset, particularly in matches where Rangers need to compete physically and maintain their intensity.
For supporters who have watched the team attempt to rebuild its momentum, the prospect of losing such an influential player would be an unwelcome distraction.
Besiktas interest could put Rangers under pressure
Raskin’s contractual situation could also become a factor in any future negotiations.
The report indicates that his current deal is approaching its final year next summer, potentially increasing the importance of Rangers making a decision over his long-term future.
If the midfielder does not agree an extension, the club could eventually face a difficult choice between accepting a suitable offer and risking a more complicated situation as his contract runs down.
However, that does not mean a January departure is inevitable. Rangers could decide that keeping Raskin for the remainder of the season is more valuable than accepting a transfer fee, especially if they believe his performances could prove decisive in the title race.
Much will depend on whether Besiktas make a formal approach, the financial terms involved and the player’s own intentions.
The reported previous interest suggests the Turkish club have been linked with a move before, but there is no confirmation that an agreement has been reached or that Raskin has decided to leave Scotland.
Rangers face a difficult decision after their latest victory
The 4-0 win over St Johnstone offered Rangers a welcome boost, with Kelsy, Naderi and Chukwuani all contributing to an impressive afternoon at Ibrox.
Yet the Raskin speculation serves as a reminder that a successful transfer strategy involves more than bringing new players through the door. Keeping the right performers can be just as important, particularly when a club is trying to challenge for major honours.
For McInnes, the priority will be maintaining the momentum his team has started to build while ensuring uncertainty over individual futures does not become a distraction.
Raskin remains a Rangers player, and a Besiktas transfer is not a confirmed outcome. But if the reported interest develops into a serious offer, the club could face one of its most significant decisions ahead of the January window.
After a result that gave supporters plenty to celebrate, the possibility of losing a key midfielder is the kind of uncertainty Rangers would rather avoid as they attempt to turn their promising domestic form into a genuine title challenge.
Nafisa
