Villa Ready £25M Bid While Rangers Teammate Begs Raskin To Stay | OneFootball

So the latest major story emerging from Ibrox surrounds a possible exit for Nico Raskin. The Belgian international, already a talking point among fans, has now been openly encouraged by his national team manager to head to the Premier League – with Aston Villa a named suitor. Italian side Fiorentina are reportedly monitoring him as well.

The number being thrown around? £25 million – supposedly what Rangers would accept for the ex-Standard Liège man.

There are a few layers to this. First, let’s be blunt – Raskin himself made it clear nearly two years ago that Rangers were a stepping stone. He said it, not us. And while he appears happy at Ibrox, his long-term aspirations have always pointed elsewhere. Chelsea was the name he dropped, and that’s clearly the level he sees himself at.

So when talk surfaces of him becoming captain, we have to question the logic. To wear the armband for this club, you have to be completely invested in it. Raskin isn’t. That’s not opinion – it’s based on his own words. Yes, he gives everything on the pitch. Yes, he plays with heart. But leadership at this club requires full commitment – and he’s got one eye on the exit.

Even team-mate Dujon Sterling recently took to social media to encourage Raskin to sign a new deal. Admirable, yes – but it’s a bit like trying to glue a crack in the dam. If a player wants to leave, no tweet is changing that.

As for the idea that he’s now Belgium material, it has to be said – this is not the golden generation anymore. Raskin making the squad today is not the same as doing so 5 or 10 years ago. That’s not a knock on him – he is a very good player – but context matters.

Would we say no to £25 million? Not a chance. Rangers picked him up for a fraction of that – reportedly just over £1 million. That’s the kind of return you simply do not reject.

So while the captaincy talk is flattering and probably well-meaning, it’s a distraction. The real story is whether Raskin stays or goes. And if he does leave, there’s a strong chance it will be for big money. Watch this space.