Midfielder Nicolas Raskin revealed he expected to leave Rangers this summer, though transfer talks have instead turned toward a potential new contract at Ibrox. Pundits Gordon Strachan and Scott Allan believe the Belgian international will likely pursue a move away.
Nicolas Raskin has been talking about his future yet again at Rangers, admitting to the press this week that he believed he was moving on this summer before the transfer ultimately failed to materialize. Now, discussions have shifted toward a possible new contract at Ibrox with another year left on his current deal after this season, according to Yahoo.
Gordon Strachan and Scott Allan Discuss Raskin Contract Chances
Thriving under Derek McInnes, Raskin’s immediate priority remains bringing success back to Rangers on the pitch this season as the club works to close the gap to Celtic, starting away at Hearts on Wednesday. Despite his current focus, former Scotland manager Gordon Strachan doubts the midfielder will stay in Govan for the long haul.
That’d be great. But, I think he’d want to go on and play somewhere else.
Gordon Strachan, speaking on Open Goal
Scott Allan immediately agreed with that assessment during the discussion on Open Goal, noting that any potential contract extension would come as a surprise. I’d be very surprised if he signed an extension,
Allan said, pointing to the ongoing discourse surrounding the player’s future.
Besiktas Interest and Potential Destinations in Italy and England
Strachan suggests that Raskin could easily make a move to a league like Italy, which has recruited heavily from Scotland in recent years, though pointing to clubs below the top two tier sides. Mid-table Premier League clubs, including Everton, have also been mentioned as possible landing spots.
However, Turkish giants Besiktas are the only side to have made a concrete move so far. After failing with a late loan bid in the summer, Besiktas could return to the negotiating table in January as Vincenzo Italiano makes the midfielder a priority. Raskin was previously reported to have agreed wages with Besiktas to join players like Vaclav Cerny, though that development did not emerge through Turkish media outlets.
