Update on Nicolas Raskin’s Rangers future after January exit looked certain
Rangers have endured a nightmare start to the season at Ibrox as they have won just four of their 14 games across all competitions so far.
Russell Martin‘s side remain winless after five league games and suffered a 1-0 defeat against Genk in their opening Europa League clash.
That has led to increased pressure on the boss, as Football Insider revealed on 26 September that Martin is edging closer to the sack at Rangers.
However, off-field issues have been equally as concerning as their displays on the pitch, with the future of Nicolas Raskin still a major talking point at Ibrox.
The Belgium international has recently returned to the starting XI following a reported bust-up with Martin, but that has not put an end to the speculation.
Nicolas Raskin likely to stay at Rangers in January
Football Insider revealed on 13 September that Raskin could quit Rangers in January, with an exit looking certain while he was cast aside at Ibrox.
Sources said the Belgium international is keen to fight for his place in the side under Martin, but could leave should he prove unable to win back the boss’ favour.
However, as I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, there is a growing possibility that the midfielder will remain at Ibrox beyond the January window.
Speaking on the Inside Track podcast, I explained: “If Raskin and Martin have resolved their differences, there’s a real chance that he could end up staying at Rangers to the end of the season at least.
“There’s no getting away from it, they’re a better team when Raskin is involved.
“Look, it’s obvious there have been things being put on the back burner to allow Raskin back into the fold and back into the starting lineup at Rangers.
“As I said, think Raskin will be a key man for Martin in the next few weeks because they’ll definitely need him if they want to improve their fortunes.
“He was one of the best players in Scotland last year and is crucial in that Rangers side as well. As long as he’s playing, he’ll be quite content at Ibrox.”
The bust-up between Raskin and Martin now seems to have been resolved, or at least cast aside in favour of doing what is best for the team.
Clubs queue up to agree Raskin deal with Rangers
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider in May that Raskin was wanted by Premier League clubs alongside European giants.
That interest is not thought to have gone away, with clubs keeping a close eye on his situation with the possibility to swoop during the mid-season window.
Recently, while away on international duty with Belgium, the midfielder confessed: “My situation at the club is a bit complicated. I’m going to go back, do the best I can to sort it out.” [the Sun]
Football Insider revealed last month that Rangers were bracing to receive offers for Raskin in the closing stages of the window, but he ended up staying at the club.
However, Rangers remain hopeful of keeping hold of their star player beyond the January window, with his return to the starting XI seen as a huge boost.
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