Rangers urged to cash in on 'buzzbomb' Ibrox star as World Cup plan hatched that could fetch club £20m
Speculation counts to mount over the Belgian international’s Ibrox future with summer transfer interest expected
Nicolas Raskin’s future at Rangers remains a hot topic of discussion among supporters ahead of the summer transfer window opening - and club chiefs have been urged to take the money if his performances at the World Cup lead to big money offers.
The Belgian international, who is likely to be part of head coach Rudi Garcia’s 26-man squad for this summer’s finals in USA, Canada and Mexico, will head to the Americas off the back of what will almost certainly be another trophyless season at Ibrox.
The midfielder’s form has dipped at times this term after initially falling out of favour under previous Light Blues boss Russell Martin. His successor Danny Rohl has given the 25-year-old a new lease of life in recent months, with some fans suggesting he should take over the captain’s armband from the departing James Tavernier at the of the campaign.
For others, Raskin hasn’t produced enough in another failed campaign as debate over what is actually his best position in the engine room continues to rage on. With two years remaining on his current deal in Govan, Rangers are braced for more bids for a player they could look to maximise serious value from.
And title-winning former Rangers star Greg Stewart is in no doubt that this summer is the right time to sell Raskin, especially if he catches the eye of potential suitors at the World Cup.
“I'm hoping Raskin has a great World Cup and teams want him for £20million,” Stewart admitted. “I'd be selling him. It's his consistency. I don't know if it's the role Danny Rohl is wanting him to play but I just don't think we're seeing the best of him.
“I love it when he drives forward but I don't feel like we're doing that. I see him going in between the two centre halves to get the ball and try and break lines. I don't see Raskin as a player than can break lines. I don't think he’s that type of player.
“He's a wee buzzbomb. He can get about the pitch and getting into the box with late runs. I don't think we see that enough either from a goalscoring midfielder. So I'm hoping he has a great World Cup and teams are desperate to get him.
“If any bids come in for that sort if money, he needs to go. If we're going to lose out on Champions League money... have we got infinity money or what? Are these Americans going to keep on ploughing money in?”
Should Rangers cash in on Nicolas Raskin this summer?
Fans are split on whether Raskin should be sold or not. Barring Tavernier and goalkeeper Jack Butland, he is a natural leader on the pitch and it’s clear an open and honest conversation with the player must be had in the coming months.
The money would have to be right for Rangers to accept a bid for such an influential midfielder who Rohl could easily look to build his team around. While his attitude has been questioned on occasions, Raskin may feel the time is right to seek a fresh challenge.
A player to wears his heart on his sleeve, Raskin’s value is at an all-time high and a strong showing with the Red Devils at the World Cup could force Rangers’ hand.