- Rangers midfielder Nico Raskin has been included in Belgium’s squad for friendlies against the United States and Mexico.
- Belgian outlets are suggesting that boss Rudi Garcia has all but confirmed his final World Cup squad with this selection.
- This could net Rangers a huge fee for the midfielder in the upcoming summer window.
Rangers’ midfielder Nico Raskin has firmly established himself in Belgium’s senior setup, starting their last five competitive matches.
And with the World Cup looming, all signs point to the 25-year-old making the trip to North America this summer.
Nico Raskin settled in the squad
Belgium boss Rudi Garcia is organized and decisive, favouring consistency and planning over tinkering.
The 28-man squad list unveiled last Friday gives the distinct impression that the coach already has his 26-man World Cup squad in mind.
Raskin is very much part of that vision and is not expected to be one of the couple cut.
Garcia’s call-ups have sent a clear message: he is counting on his core players.
Several recalled internationals have just barely recovered or are still returning from injury.
This signals that Garcia is thinking ahead to June.
Key players like Youri Tielemans and Romelu Lukaku will be rested.
However, their absences have not prompted replacements, suggesting the 62-year-old has already selected his final squad for the summer.
Never in doubt
Barring injury, the final 26-man squad seems largely set, with Raskin positioned firmly among Belgium’s midfield options alongside Axel Witsel, Kevin De Bruyne, and Hans Vanaken.
This suggests that despite Sascha Tavolieri suggesting there “are some doubts” over Raskin maintaining his place, that he is all but secure in his position.
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For Rangers, this is another boost for the club’s international profile.
With Raskin nearing the final 24-months of his contract, a positive tournament could see his value continue to rise and allow Rangers to truly cash in on the star.
Raskin said shortly after his arrival at Ibrox that his “ultimate dream is to play in the Premier League.”
A good showing this summer could turn that dream into reality.
Unless last-minute injuries intervene, Raskin looks set to join Belgium at the World Cup, offering Rangers fans another chance to watch one of their own shine on football’s biggest stage.
