Nicolas Raskin speaks out on Ibrox future, he may have checked out of Rangers already
Rangers midfielder Nicolas Raskin may already have one eye on a possible Ibrox exit in January after recent comments he made on his future.
The 22-year-old was one of Michael Beale’s first captures after signing from Belgian club Standard Liege last January and has been one of the few bright sparks in an otherwise hapless start to the campaign in Glasgow.
The Belgian under-21 international signed a long-term deal with Rangers that will see him regain with the Light Blues until 2027 but it seems as if he already has one eye on an early Ibrox exit after an interview on Thursday (12 October).
As quoted by Belgian outlet Proximus on Friday (13 October) he said: “I’m now at 98 games for Standard, it would be nice to ever round that mark of 100 there.
“I once want to play in the Premier League, but I don’t put myself under pressure. I have a plan in my head, Rangers is just a stage in it.”
Raskin has proven a sturdy addition at Ibrox, one which provides all the ingredients that the club have desperately needed in midfield.
He’s agile, composed under pressure, possesses tremendous vision, and is a clean and influential passer of the ball standing him out as arguably one of the club’s key components.
Such characteristics certainly makes him an attractive midfield commodity for top clubs around Europe and it was a major coup for Rangers to snap him up when they did.
It’s certainly within Raskin’s reach to reach the top level in the game in the next few years and he’s certainly well within his right to make such a huge stance on his current situation at Ibrox and where he sees himself in future.
However, his comments won’t have gone down too well with the Ibrox support, especially those who have cheered him on ever since his move from Belgium.
Sadly a lot of players do view a move to Scotland as a stepping stone and a crucial opportunity to play European football and gain attention from teams south of the border later on in future and that’s what Raskin feels.
However, to make such a statement given the situation Rangers find themselves in right now, managerless and directionless, is an unnecessary distraction and his comments certainly seem to suggest that he’s isn’t happy with the current predicament and has already checked out at Ibrox.
The Belgian signed a four-year contract when he signed and until he performs to the utmost ability at Ibrox, helping the club win trophies and impress in Europe, he’s simply got to commit to it.
Only time will tell what will happen in the future of Raskin’s career, but it certainly feels, if given the opportunity in January, he could ditch the club and quit.
In other Rangers news, BBC presenter shares what he’s been told about Rangers manager hunt.