Out-of-favour Rangers Midfielder Decides His Future: What’s Next For Him | OneFootball

Despite reports of Nicolas Raskin’s deadline day exit after a fallout with Russell Martin, the Belgian chose not to part ways, even though he received an offer from FC Copenhagen. According to The Rangers Review, the midfield ace is set for clear-the-air talks with the manager once the season resumes in two weeks following the international break.

The 24-year-old Belgium international spent his youth years at Royal Stade Waremmien FC, Standard Liège, Anderlecht and Gent. He also made one senior appearance for the latter before returning to Standard Liege in January 2019. Rangers snapped him up in 2023 for £1.32m (plus add-ons), and a stellar 2024-25 campaign earned him his maiden senior call-up earlier this year.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – MAY 11: Nicolas Raskin of Rangers and Tom Lawrence of Rangers are seen during the William Hill Premiership match between Rangers FC and Aberdeen FC at Ibrox Stadium on May 11, 2025 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Although he was supposed to pull the strings from the centre of the pitch in their redemption season under Martin, the former Southampton boss opted against lining him up week in, and week out. The dispute led to his exclusion from the Gers’ matchday squad against Celtic; however, the fans were heard chanting Raskin’s name during their lacklustre stalemate in the Old Firm derby.

Told Martin when asked about the loud cheer for the fans’ favourite.

A Boost For Rangers

Rangers have had a dreadful start with no wins so far in four Premiership outings. They snapped up Joe Rothwell, Lyall Cameron, and Thelo Aasgaard this summer to bolster their midfield, but the new signings have failed to leave a mark on their respective roles. Rothwell lacks the work ethic as a deep-lying playmaker, whereas Cameron and Aasgaard are more effective as midfield attackers.

Martin, meanwhile, prefers a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 with a ‘double pivot’ marshalling the backline. Raskin could slot in as a ‘number 6’, as well as a box-to-box option in a three-man midfield. Rangers reignited their long-term interest in Kenny McLean, amid fears of losing Raskin in the 11th hour. But Norwich City successfully retained the veteran Scotsman beyond deadline. The Belgian’s departure would have been a double whammy for the Light Blues, and the gaffer, struggling for results, must integrate the star midfielder into his starting lineup soon after the break.