Nicolas Raskin to find common ground at Rangers as Russell Martin can’t do the unthinkable
Rangers have kept Nicolas Raskin after transfer deadline day in Scotland despite some evident issues with Russell Martin.
Rudi Garcia has called up the Belgium international as the Red Devils face Liechtenstein and Kazakhstan during the international break.
Crystal Palace and Wolves expressed interest in Raskin during the final hours of the transfer window, but the midfielder has ended up staying for now.
Martin has made some bold calls in recent weeks, notably dropping the 24-year-old from the squad as Celtic drew 0-0 at Ibrox on 31 August, but conversations will undoubtedly be held in G51 in the coming weeks.
Russell Martin can’t exclude Nicolas Raskin at Rangers
Martin and Raskin may need to find a common ground at the Gers to resolve their situation, Andy Halliday says.
The Motherwell ace believes it would be a bad look for the Scottish manager if the midfielder doesn’t play football at Ibrox until the January transfer window.
Halliday feels an asset like the Belgian national can’t be wasted at the Glaswegian outfit and should play a part in the former Southampton manager’s plans this season.
Speaking on Open Goal on 2 September, the Scotsman said: “What’s worse for me as a manager is if you’ve got an asset at £15million not playing football for six months. You can’t do that. So you have to find some common ground.”
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Kevin Thelwell hints at Nicolas Raskin conversation at Ibrox
Martin and Raskin may need to have a conversation to find a solution for their apparent disagreement at the Gers.
The Belgium international was arguably the Light Blues’ best player last season and should be playing a major role for the Scottish manager.
Also, Martin’s future at Ibrox looks uncertain right now, and it wouldn’t make sense for the Glaswegian outfit to sell one of their key players for a head coach who’s seemingly fighting for survival.
- Raskin joined the Gers for £1.32m in January 2023.
- The midfielder made 48 appearances for the Light Blues last season, providing 11 assists.
- The Belgian star’s current contract at Ibrox expires in 2027.
Kevin Thelwell has already admitted that he and Martin will hold talks with Raskin at Rangers after the international break, saying: “What happens is he goes on international duty, he comes back as a Rangers player. When he comes back, Russell and I sit down with Nico and talk about what we do next.”
The Gers have a significant challenge ahead as they sit six points behind Celtic and Hearts after four games in the William Hill Premiership.
If the former Southampton boss can’t incorporate the Belgian midfielder into his plans, fans are right to call for a change in head coach at Ibrox.
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