Why Nicolas Raskin Rangers swap for Lewis Ferguson plus cash isn't as 'ridiculous' as it seems
Nicolas Raskin may be worth more at Rangers than Bologna midfielder Lewis Ferguson.
Plenty of speculation surrounded the Belgium international in the summer transfer window, with an exit looking inevitable.
The Scotland international was heavily linked with a move to the Gers amid uncertainty over the former Standard Liege star's future, but he ended up staying in Govan.
Raskin has become a key player for Derek McInnes at Ibrox in recent weeks, while Ferguson continues his adventure with Bologna.
The Scottish star hasn't stopped flirting with the idea of moving to the Glaswegian outfit and that could potentially be on the cards next summer.
With the Belgian ace in the penultimate year of his contract in G51, Andrew Cavenagh will need to make a decision on his future sooner rather than later.
Is Nicolas Raskin worth more than Lewis Ferguson?
Besiktas wanted Raskin in the summer, but Cavenagh intervened after not being satisfied with the terms being offered.
The midfielder was coming off an impressive 2026 World Cup campaign with Belgium and the Gers had every right to look for a decent profit.
Scottish journalist Roger Hannah believes the 25-year-old is certainly worth more than Ferguson.
It may not be far-fetched to think the Govan side could get the 28-year-old plus some cash in a swap deal with Bologna for Raskin.
Speaking on Clyde 1 Superscoreboard on 28 September, Hannah said, "Is it ridiculous to think you could do a deal where Rangers get Ferguson and some money from Raskin next summer? He's a younger player.
"He's got more of an international pedigree playing for Belgium. He has gone far at the World Cup. If he goes to Bologna or wherever he goes, they'll think they can sell him on for more money."
What has Lewis Ferguson recently said about Ibrox transfer?
Ferguson dreams of playing for Rangers and a move to Ibrox shouldn't be ruled out.
Speaking to the media on Scotland duty, the midfielder said, "It was a dream of mine as a kid, and that's not changed, but I don't want to speak about that while I'm a player at Bologna.
"In the future, you never know. It might happen, it might not, but it's always been something in the back of my mind."
Derek McInnes previously managed Ferguson at Aberdeen and knows him well.
Under the Scottish manager, the midfielder showed immense potential, eventually earning a move to Italy.
While the Gers' midfield is packed at the moment, Raskin's inevitable exit will leave a massive void in their engine room.
Ferguson has the qualities and the leadership skills to replace the Belgium international and possibly do better, given his understanding of Scottish football.