If a report from Voetbal Nieuws (as cited by the Daily Record) is believed to be true, Rangers have reignited their interest in Nicolas Raskin. But they are not alone in the hunt as the likes of Speiza and Club Brugge are also keeping close eyes on the youngster’s contract situation at Standard Liège.
The 21-year-old Belgium youth international was close to joining the Light Blues back in the summer. Although the move did not materialize before the window was slammed shut, the rumours are gathering pace once again as he is free to pen a pre-contract agreement from January onwards.
Standard Liege boss Ronny Deila is keen to have Raskin beyond the summer of 2023. But the former Celtic boss is aware of the uncertainties.
“He has a great career ahead of him. I like to see him play and I hope he stays with us even if it’s a discussion he has to have with the management.”
Told Deila following his side’s cup win against Dender.
Meanwhile, the Glasgow Rangers have received a boost in pursuit of the midfield ace. Feyenoord’s name was also in the mix, but their general manager Dennis te Kloese has categorically ruled out a swoop for the player while speaking to ESPN (as quoted by the Daily Record).
Raskin progressed through the academy ranks of Standard Liege but was released by them in 2015. He then had successive youth stints with Anderlecht and Gent before returning to his boyhood club back in January 2019. His emergence earned him a senior status at Stade Maurice Dufrasne with 96 senior appearances for Les Rouches across competitions.
Rangers, on the other hand, are struggling all over the pitch due to form and fitness reasons. Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s Ibrox future is hanging by a thread following a dreadful European campaign, whereas their downfall in the Premiership is also alarming given they are now nine points behind leaders Celtic in the league standings.
Why Rangers should Secure His Services
Despite having the likes of John Lundstram, Ryan Jack, Glen Kamara, James Sands and Steven Davis, the Light Blues need to find stability as well as long-term solution in the centre of the pitch. Davis, 37, is at the twilight of his career, also the persistent injury problems have refrained both Kamara and Jack from finding momentum under the Dutch boss. Sands is not an outright central midfield option considering his flexibility in the defensive third and the club, therefore, should rope in Raskin to bolster themselves in the middle of the park.
Standard, his current employers, must prefer a winter exit rather than losing him for nothing next summer and it remains to be seen how things shape up in the forthcoming future.
