Rangers are no strangers to interest in our top talent, and Nico Raskin is the latest name drawing attention from clubs south of the border.
Reports linking the Belgian midfielder with a £25 million move to Aston Villa have surfaced, and while speculation is nothing new at this stage of the summer, one thing is clear: if Rangers are to sell Raskin, they should be demanding a Scottish record transfer fee.
Since arriving from Standard Liège in January 2023, Raskin has made impressive strides in Glasgow. Initially viewed as a high upside signing, he has now become one of the most important players in the squad.
His ability to dictate the tempo and his tenacious ability to recover possession with intelligence and tenacity has seen him develop into a complete modern midfielder. His growth has been steady and significant, with his performances improving across domestic and European competitions.
Raskin is now a regular in the Belgian national team setup and looks poised to be part of their squad for the 2026 World Cup. That level of international recognition carries weight in the transfer market. When a player is trusted at the highest level by one of Europe’s top national teams, his valuation rises accordingly.
Any club securing his services ahead of a major tournament is not just buying a capable performer, they are investing in a player on the cusp of global visibility.
Much has been made of the fee Rangers received for Calvin Bassey in 2022. The £20 million deal set a club record and was widely hailed as a success of the player trading model.
However, when comparing the two situations, Raskin arguably commands a stronger case. He is more experienced and has delivered consistently across a larger sample of matches. Bassey’s sale was based largely on raw potential. Raskin offers proven quality and a higher ceiling.
His European performances have underlined that. In high-pressure games on the continental stage, Raskin has looked unfazed. He plays with control, composure, and a competitive edge that stands out against strong opposition.
Those are the matches scouts focus on most closely, and Raskin has done his reputation no harm in those moments.
He has also grown into a quiet leader within the team. While not necessarily the most vocal presence, his influence on the pitch is unmistakable.
He sets the press, drives the team forward in transition, and brings intensity at key moments.
Rangers have made no secret of their commitment to a player trading model. That model only works when players are sold at the right time and for the right value.
Clubs across Europe with similar strategies have shown that it is possible to extract maximum fees without compromising their identity or ambition. Rangers must operate the same way. If Bassey was worth £20 million in 2022, then Raskin in 2025 is comfortably worth more.
There is no need to rush into a sale. Raskin remains a key figure at Ibrox, and with a new era beginning under Russell Martin, his presence in midfield could be crucial in laying the foundation for future success. However, if the club is to entertain serious bids, they must set the bar high.
Nico Raskin is not just a promising young player anymore. He is a Belgian international, a European performer, and a leader in one of the most demanding club environments in the game.
He fits the profile of the type of player Rangers should build around or be richly rewarded for.