Russell Martin desperate as under-fire Rangers boss wants Nico Raskin out of Ibrox
Rangers fans will hope Nicolas Raskin and Russell Martin can settle their differences after the international break.
The Scottish manager left the 24-year-old out of the squad to face Celtic in the William Hill Premiership on 31 August, signalling an issue between the two.
Wolves and Crystal Palace wanted Raskin towards the end of the previous transfer window, but the midfielder ended up staying.
It made sense for the Gers to keep hold of the Belgium international, though, considering Martin’s future at Ibrox is up in the air at the moment.
Nicolas Raskin exit wanted by Russell Martin at Rangers
Martin was “desperate” to get rid of Raskin from the Gers last summer, Keith Jackson says.
The Daily Record journalist claims that there’s “no doubt” the Scottish manager was looking to sell the midfielder at Ibrox before the 11pm deadline on 1 September.
Jackson feels Martin wouldn’t have treated the Belgian star the way he has in recent weeks at the Glaswegian outfit unless he wanted him gone.
Speaking on Hotline Live on 8 September, the journalist said: “He wanted rid of Raskin. You know that he wanted rid. There’s no doubt about it. You don’t treat a player like that. He was desperate to get rid. He wanted him out before that window shut, and it hasn’t happened.”
Read More: Martin must settle Raskin feud now after developments
Kevin Thelwell will want to protect Nicolas Raskin value at Ibrox
Martin will be expected to reintroduce Raskin into his plans as the Gers won’t want the midfielder to lose his value ahead of January.
If the Light Blues are hoping to sell the Belgium international in the upcoming transfer window, they will want to make as much money as possible, which arguably won’t be possible if he sits on the bench for the next few months.
The former Standard Liege player is one of the best players at the Light Blues, but it looks like the Scottish manager doesn’t trust him.
- Raskin scored his first goal for Belgium against Kazakhstan on 7 September.
- Martin has wanted the midfielder to play further up the pitch this season.
- The Belgian star’s contract at Ibrox expires in 2027.
Raskin and Martin should settle their differences at Rangers for the time being, as that would be best for both parties.
The ex-Southampton boss needs more quality in his team to turn things around at the Gers after a poor start to the season, and the midfielder is undoubtedly aiming to make the 2026 World Cup squad.
How the situation in G51 unfolds, though, remains to be seen.
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