Nicolas Raskin Addresses Rangers Future After Summer Transfer Talks

Nicolas Raskin has confirmed he held discussions over a summer move away from Rangers, with the midfielder now focused on improving his performances ahead of the next transfer window.

Speaking to Belgian broadcaster RTL, he said, "Yeah, of course, we had quite a few discussions. It was a long, complicated summer." The 25-year-old explained that he needed to refocus after the window ended without a move.

He still wants to take the next step in his career, but believes Rangers offer an environment where he can continue developing. In a separate interview with Sporza, Raskin admitted: "It is a bit of a disappointment, because I was mentally ready to leave."

He nevertheless stressed that he did not feel compelled to leave Ibrox, pointing to regular football and the quality of the squad as reasons to remain positive about his situation. Besiktas were among the clubs linked with a move during the closing stages of the window, but Raskin ultimately remained in Glasgow after the proposed switch failed to materialise.

HLN had also reported that Raskin learned of an offer on September 2 and was still weighing up his future on the team bus before a match that evening. He described having little time to consider the decision and indicated that timing and factors beyond his and the Light Blues’ control had contributed to the outcome.

The Belgian international also maintained that his profile and performances were not the problem, and he didn't identify anyone to blame. His comments follow public backing from Derek McInnes earlier this month.

Speaking before the deadline, the Rangers manager praised Raskin’s training and said he would continue contributing if he stayed at the club. Raskin joined Rangers from Standard Liege in January 2023 for an undisclosed fee.

The club announced a long-term contract at the time, bringing in a player with domestic and European experience. He had made 96 appearances in all competitions for the Belgian club.

Retaining Raskin provides Rangers with continuity in midfield, although his comments suggest questions about his future are likely to return when the transfer market reopens. Any eventual departure, however, would require the club to balance an acceptable offer against the task of replacing him.

Nevertheless, Raskin himself reported last year that there were "two more seasons" left on his contract, with later reports emerging with a claim of a one-year option also being included. 

Hence, an exit in the winter might be on the cards if an extension isn't signed because letting a midfielder of such a calibre leave for free won't be Rangers' Plan A. However, until then, the 25-year-old will continue making contributions at Ibrox.