Premier League newcomers Hull City have reportedly tested Rangers’ resolve with a substantial offer for midfielder Nicolas Raskin, with the Tigers said to have tabled a bid worth between £12m and £14m.
The Belgian international has been a key figure at Ibrox since arriving in January 2023 and has established himself as one of the most highly rated midfielders in Scottish football.
His performances have repeatedly attracted attention from clubs south of the border, with Leeds United among those linked with a move last season.
Rangers resisted interest at the time, but speculation has returned with Raskin now competing at the World Cup with Belgium.
According to BBC Radio Humberside’s Mike White, Hull have made their move as they look to strengthen ahead of their return to the Premier League.
White posted on X: “Understand Hull City have made an offer for Rangers and Belgium midfielder Nicolas Raskin in the region of £12-14m but it’s understood to be lower than the £20m valuation the SPL club have for him.”
Rangers are believed to value Raskin closer to £20m, meaning Hull’s opening proposal falls short of the Ibrox club’s expectations.
However, with interest also reportedly emerging from Serie A side Bologna, the situation could develop into a competitive race for the midfielder’s signature.
Raskin’s World Cup involvement could also strengthen Rangers’ negotiating position. The 25-year-old has featured in Belgium’s opening two group matches, against Egypt and Iran, providing him with another opportunity to showcase his ability on the international stage.
When asked about his future at Rangers and the arrival of new manager Derek McInnes, Raskin remained focused on Belgium’s World Cup campaign rather than club matters.
“I’m not thinking about that right now. I’m not occupied with that at the moment,” he said.
“Of course, it’s always good to come and get some minutes at the World Cup which is a moment to showcase yourself. But right now, we’ve put club life on hold.”
Raskin’s situation has also been shaped by the managerial changes at Ibrox. Danny Rohl’s departure to take charge of RB Salzburg brought an end to a short but positive working relationship between the German coach and the midfielder.
Raskin publicly paid tribute to Rohl after his exit, sharing a picture of the pair together at Ibrox and writing: “Thank you for everything gaffer. It’s been a pleasure to work with you.”
Rohl had restored Raskin to a prominent role after the midfielder’s difficult spell under former Rangers boss Russell Martin, with the Belgian returning to the first-team picture following a disagreement with Martin’s predecessor.
Now, McInnes is overseeing a major rebuild at Rangers and is expected to reshape the squad around a more pragmatic, intense and traditionally Scottish style of football.
The new Rangers boss has already begun putting his mark on the squad. Lawrence Shankland arrived from Hearts before McInnes took charge, while Ross McCrorie is expected to complete his return to Ibrox within 24 hours after undergoing his medical.
McCrorie is set to take the number two shirt vacated by James Tavernier following the former Rangers captain’s departure.
McInnes’ plans could also have an impact on Raskin’s future, with reports suggesting the manager is keen on a possible player-plus-cash deal or replacement strategy involving his former Aberdeen midfielder Lewis Ferguson.
Hull, meanwhile, are preparing for life back in the Premier League after promotion through the Championship play-offs.
Their squad already includes former Rangers players John Lundstram and Kieran Dowell, while Rangers supporter Oli McBurnie played a decisive role by scoring the winning goal in the play-off final.
Whether Raskin remains at Ibrox or moves on could become one of the defining decisions of McInnes’ early Rangers tenure, with the midfielder’s World Cup exposure and growing interest potentially pushing his value even higher.
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