Rangers 'most sellable asset' can make club millions with strong World Cup showing as bold prediction made
Ibrox legend convinced midfielder will have ambitions of playing at a higher level
Kris Boyd reckons this summer could be key to deciding if Nicolas Raskin sees out his Rangers contract - but a strong World Cup showing for Belgium could force club officials to cash in on the midfielder.
The former Ibrox striker is of the belief that Raskin could give head coach Danny Rohl the funds to compete for honours next season, providing the Red Devils advance deep into the tournament and the 25-year-old is given the chance to strut his stuff on the biggest stage in world football.
Raskin will hope to play a leading role for Rudi Garcia’s side after all-but cementing his starting spot for Belgium’s Group C opener against Egypt on Monday, June 15 after starring in their pre World Cup friendlies.
He formed a midfield trio alongside Kevin de Bruyne and Youri Tielemans during last Tuesday’s 2-0 win over Croatia in Rijeka before stepping off the bench and getting on the scoresheet in a 5-0 drubbing of Tunisia on Saturday.
Raskin still has two years left to run on his Gers contract, and Boyd is convinced the pound signs will be flashing in the eyes of the club’s American owners if Raskin does attract offers in the wake of his World Cup appearance.
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Should that prove to be the case, it might not be the worst predicament for Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises as they attempt to overhaul a Light Blues squad that finished behind Celtic and Hearts last season.
“Rangers have already set their stall out by signing Lawrence Shankland and there will be more big players to follow,” Boyd stated. “Yes, players will leave. None of us are naïve enough to think that if a serious offer comes in for Nico Raskin, Rangers wouldn't consider it.
“At the end of the day, they have to look at the balance of their squad and they have to get money in if they're going to spend again this summer. The American owners have already spent a lot of money but you also have to start bringing money in — and the most sellable asset in that squad right now would be Raskin.
“So I'm sure from Rangers' point of view, they might not want to lose him. But at the same time, they'll be hoping he has a good tournament, that he performs with the eyes of the world on him and potentially generates some serious money for the club.”
Raskin will want to play at a higher level
Raskin has spent three and a half years in Glasgow but is still searching for his first winners’ medal. Despite that, Boyd reckons the all-action midfielder will harbour ambitions of playing at a higher level.
“I wouldn't be surprised if Nico moves on in the summer but I also wouldn't be surprised if he stays, he added. “He's shown at Rangers he can achieve good things in terms of getting in that Belgium squad and going to the World Cup. That’s a huge step for Nico.
“He's been in the Belgium squad now for a number of years and the next step for him was to cement his place in that team. You've got to say, he's done that now. He’s a regular in the starting XI. But when you look at some of the other Belgian players and the levels they're performing at on a weekly basis, it would be difficult for Nico to say, ‘I want to stay in Scottish football’.
“There’s no doubt his ambition will be to further his career and play in a better league than Scotland. He might not get a bigger club than Rangers but when you see how he’s done in Europe, to me he's done enough to suggest that he can perform at a higher level.
“So I'm sure he'll be looking for a move over the summer. But if it doesn't come, let's be realistic, he's not at a bad club as is.”