Barry Ferguson reacts to Nicolas Raskin and Liam Kelly contract update, one is no-brainer for Rangers

Barry Ferguson wants Liam Kelly to extend his contract at Rangers, with a new deal also being lined up for Nicolas Raskin.

The former Gers interim manager believes the Light Blues may just be protecting their asset by extending the Belgium international’s stay, with his current deal running until 2028.

As for Kelly, he’ll be a free agent at the end of the season, and securing the goalkeeper’s future in Govan has been termed a no-brainer.

The Ibrox hierarchy plan to open talks with Raskin soon and reward him for his performances at the Glaswegian outfit, and Danny Rohl will also surely want the Scottish shot-stopper to stay despite him playing second fiddle to Jack Butland.

Liam Kelly looking angry in Rangers training gear.
Credit: Breaking Media

Danny Rohl has one agenda at Rangers this season

Rohl will currently be fully focused on winning the William Hill Premiership, with the Gers two points behind Hearts.

As things stand, there are 11 games to go in the league, and Raskin will surely play a key role for the German manager’s title ambitions at Ibrox.

Kelly, 30, has also been the go-to goalkeeper for the Scottish Gas Scottish Cup, another trophy the Glaswegian outfit have a chance to get their hands on this season.

Speaking on the Go Radio Football Show on 20 February about the 24-year-old midfielder’s potential new contract, Ferguson said, “Maybe they’re just protecting their asset because I’m sure there’ll be clubs looking at Nico, he’s a Belgium international. It’ll be interesting to see if this is true, but I do believe there will be interest in the summer in Nico.”

On Kelly, the Gers icon added, “Liam, I think whenever he’s been called upon, he’s done a fantastic job for Rangers. You know what you’re getting, brilliant professional, brilliant round about the dressing room, and yeah, I think it would be a no-brainer for him to get a new contract.”

The Govan side have already agreed new terms with John Souttar, keeping him at the club until May 2027, with an option to extend it by a further year, and there will surely be other players’ futures that need to be considered sooner rather than later.

Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises have one Ibrox transfer priority

James Tavernier is another player whose contract expires at the end of the season, and it remains to be seen what the future holds for him.

The right-back department will undoubtedly be a cause for concern for Rohl in the coming months due to the uncertainty around his team’s captain, Dujon Sterling’s fitness issues and Max Aarons, whose loan deal from Bournemouth will expire soon.

James Tavernier Rangers stats
Credit: Breaking Media

Derek Cornelius and Nasser Djiga will also be returning to their parent clubs after the 2025-26 campaign, leaving the German manager with a dearth of options at the back.

Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises will surely have to make another heavy investment in the summer at Ibrox, with the evident priority being the defence.

Gers fans can visit Football Insider for more in-depth and exclusive coverage about their favourite team.