Nicolas Raskin told he is 'wasting his time' at Rangers as Premier League transfer bafflement expressed

Nicolas Raskin stayed at Rangers despite a summer of rumours that he would depart Ibrox.

The 25-year-old saw his stock rise after a series of impressive performances for Belgium at the World Cup.

Premier League new boys Hull City emerged as a potential suitor early in the summer transfer window.

Later on, the likes of Bologna and Atalanta in Italy were said to be interested, while Real Betis were among a clutch of clubs linked in LaLiga.

Turkish outfit Besiktas then tried to sign him after the window shut for clubs in Europe's top-five leagues, but a move did not materialise.

Now, former Belgium international Philippe Albert - who won 41 caps - expressed his bafflement that Raskin did not secure an exit from Govan.

What did Philippe Albert say about Nicolas Raskin and Rangers?

Raskin staying at Rangers was not expected by anyone in truth.

It was expected that the Gers would cash in on the playmaker to recoup some of the outlay from a huge summer rebuild.

However, until at least January, Raskin will be part of Derek McInnes' squad as Rangers attempt to prise the Scottish Premiership away from Celtic.

Former Newcastle United defender Albert spoke to La Capitale about Raskin's situation, and expressed his surprise no one in the Premier League came in for him.

He said: "He has proven in recent years that he is a class above, that he is the best player at Rangers.

“I have respect for the Scottish league, but a player like Raskin is wasting his time there. The fact that he hasn’t been transferred? I don’t understand why no Premier League club has made an offer."

No need for Rangers disrespect

Look, here's the truth of it. No one expected Raskin to still be a Rangers player after the summer.

Raskin didn't expect it, supporters didn't expect it, McInnes didn't expect it, and the club's hierarchy wouldn't have expected it.

Indeed, there was probably an expectation that selling Raskin would help fund the huge outlay Rangers have made reshaping the squad in the summer.

But, ultimately, a suitable offer did not arrive and he is still at Rangers and will be a part of McInnes' squad until such a time he isn't.

So, there's absolutely no need for the disrespect for Rangers from Albert, it's out of order.

In fairness to Raskin, his attitude throughout the saga has been pretty good - the last thing he needs is unhelpful comments like this.