Rangers loanee Thelo Aasgaard under fire by local media as Anderlecht crash out of cup

Rangers loanee Thelo Aasgaard has been blamed for Anderlecht's exit from the Belgian Cup.

The Norwegian departed Ibrox late in the summer window in what was a surprising exit.

Aasgaard started four of Rangers' opening six games in all competitions, emerging seemingly as an early favourite under Derek McInnes.

However, his time at Rangers was not to be this season, with his move to Anderlecht including an option to buy.

That fact makes Aasgaard's time out in Belgium all the more relevant for Rangers fans, who will be keen to see if that option is taken up.

But based on his latest showing for Anderlecht, the midfielder has negatively impacted his chances.

Belgian media react as Thelo Aasgaard makes crucial Anderlecht error

The Belgian Cup will not be a piece of silverware that Norway international Aasgaard will pick up this season.

A 2-1 defeat to Beerschot has meant the Purple and White have exited in the round of 32.

Aasgaard was crucial to that exit, with him being blamed for the opening goal on the day.

Outlet DH Les Sports have issued him a 4.5 out of 10 for his performance, stating: "He was the one caught out on the corner that led to the 1-0 goal. Not the Aasgaard of Thursday in Zagreb."

Meanwhile, Het Nieuwsblad have issued him a five out of 10, questioning what he actually does on the pitch.

They state in their ratings: "What are we to think of him? He is a very good footballer in himself – nice style – but what do his good first touches and ball control actually achieve? He needs to have much more impact. He also kept sliding on this pitch."

Aasgaard certainly failed to deliver against Beerschot, who are a second-tier side in the Belgian football pyramid.

And it is a pattern that has consistently been building throughout his loan.

How much is Aasgaard's option to buy?

Reports have indicated that Rangers could be set to receive around £5million in total for Aasgaard if bought by Anderlecht.

The make-up of that transfer is separated by a £1m loan fee, with the other £4m being the possible full purchase price.

That is a sizeable fee for Scottish football, and if the Norwegian has no place under McInnes, they will hope that option is taken up.

However, Aasgaard looks to be on course to return to Ibrox ahead of the 2027-28 season, based on his recent performances.

But there is still plenty of time for his situation to flip, with the football season still only in the early stages.