Rangers have priority for January transfer after showdown Nicolas Raskin talks
Russell Martin and Nicolas Raskin may have issues to resolve at Rangers after the international break.
The Belgium international was missing from the Gers’ squad as they drew against Celtic in the Old Firm derby on 31 August in the William Hill Premiership.
There were fears among the fans that Raskin could leave Ibrox before the 11pm transfer deadline in Scotland, but the midfielder has ended up staying for now.
Thelwell recently admitted that he and the Scottish manager will speak with the 24-year-old once he returns from international duty, but the outcome should certainly only be one.
Nicolas Raskin should be playing for Rangers
It would make sense for Martin to reintroduce Raskin into his plans at the Gers, Gary Keown says.
The Daily Mail journalist believes the clever thing for the Light Blues to do would be to play the Belgian midfielder if they, for instance, hope to cash in on him at Ibrox in January.
With the ex-Standard Liege midfielder’s evident ambitions to go to the 2026 World Cup, regular game time at the Glaswegian outfit will undoubtedly be pivotal.
Keown wrote in the Daily Mail on 6 September: “Of course, there’s the small matter of these showdown talks with sporting director Thelwell and Raskin to deal with, too.
“Let’s just say the clever money is on the little Belgian being back in the mix before long. If nothing else, he really has to be playing if you want to cash in on him in January, say.”
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Russell Martin has no-brainer midfield trio at Ibrox
Martin no longer has time to experiment at Ibrox, with the hierarchy expecting better things in the coming weeks after an abysmal start to the season.
The Scottish manager has seemingly been given a free rein so far at the Gers, and the fallout with Raskin is one such example.
If the Light Blues truly want to turn things around, they need to rely on their best players, and the Belgium international is one of them.
- Raskin joined the Gers for £1.32million 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.
Mohamed Diomande’s performances have gone under the radar at Rangers this season, but his partnership with Raskin has looked impressive at times.
Lyall Cameron has also stood out despite many supporters not expecting much from the former Dundee player after he agreed a pre-contract to join the Gers this summer.
Martin has a no-brainer decision with his midfield at the Glaswegian outfit, and the fans should not tolerate any experiments from the manager against Hearts.
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