Fabrizio Romano provides latest on Rangers transfer deal after 'agreement in principle' struck

Rangers midfielder Nico Raskin could be on his way out after the club reached a ‘verbal agreement’ with Turkish side Besiktas, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.

The 25-year has been the subject of transfer interest from across Europe after a successful 2026 World Cup with his native Belgium. Besiktas now appear to have won the race after reaching an agreement with Rangers, leaving the ball in Raskin’s court whether he wants to leave or not.

Rangers boss Derek McInnes is a strong admirer of the player - but hasn’t played him recent matches due to ongoing transfer speculation. The Light Blues have already lost midfielder Mohamed Diomande to another Turkish side in FK Corum, while Scotland international maestro Connor Barron left on loan for Middlesbrough on Tuesday night. Raskin remains under contract at Ibrox until 2028.

Rangers and Besiktas reach ‘verbal agreement’ on Raskin

Romano claims that an ‘agreement’ has been met between the clubs and Raskin’s future will now be decided by himself. He said via X: “Besiktas reach verbal agreement in principle with Rangers for Nicolas Raskin. Deal now depends on player’s decision but talks underway.”

The midfielder has made 149 appearances for the Light Blues since signing from Pro League side Standard Liege in January 2023. From here he’s established himself as a mainstay in the Belgian National Team in a star-studded XI. Rangers reportedly value Raskin in excess of £20m, but an official fee from the verbal agreement is yet to be disclosed.

Conversely, Besiktas winger Vaclav Cerny has been linked with a Rangers return. The former Czechia international spent the 2024/25 season on loan at Ibrox from Bundesliga side Wolfsburg and became a fan favourite with 19 goals and 9 assists. Rangers have reportedly tabled a bid £6.9m for Cerny, but as Thursday’s transfer market closure approaches, a move looks increasingly unlikely.

McInnes on Raskin

Speaking to Sky Sports, the Rangers boss admitted Raskin has handled himself with class amid the transfer noise. He said: "Nico has been first class, I've said that on record. Since he's come back from the World Cup, he's been good as gold, trained brilliantly and with a lot of motivation. There has been a lot of chat with potential interest and a lot of conversation had with the club with prospective buyers.

"But until an offer comes in that the club needs to consider, then Nico just has to, like every other player, knuckle down and train. He's been brilliant, and I have no doubts if the window closes and Nico is still a Rangers player, then he will give brilliant service as he has previously.

"He's such a good boy and yes, he is getting interest because he's a good player. A lot of these are hypotheticals. If something comes in that the club needs to consider, then that has an impact. He's a good player; I want to work with good players, we just need to see how that develops."

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