Fresh from his impressive World Cup exploits with Belgium, Nico Raskin is edging toward the exit at Ibrox.
It is just under two weeks since the Red Devils were eliminated from the World Cup by eventual winners Spain, and obviously, Raskin has played no part in Rangers’ pre-season preparations to date.
He won’t be back in time for the Premiership opener against Dundee United next Friday, and there is reasonable doubt that he won’t be back at all.
As reported by Fichajes, Villarreal are said to have made a €20 million bid to take the midfielder to La Liga.
That figure is in and around the trigger point.
A deal can, and most likely, will be done.
The Spanish outlet reported that “The deal isn’t finalised, but the situation looks favorable for Villarreal. The Scottish club is considering a significant sale, and the Belgian international is keen on a move to La Liga after establishing himself in Glasgow.
The reported continued, “The negotiations are now entering their decisive phase. Rangers want to maximise their revenue, Villarreal is trying to finalise the financial structure, and their competitors are keeping a close eye on any potential obstacles”
Why now is the time for Rangers to sell Nico Raskin
Whether it is La Liga, Serie A or the Premier League, with the likes of Atalanta and Hull City linked recently, this will be the end of the road for Nico Raskin at Rangers.
Quite simply, his stock will never be higher.
Last season was an average one for Raskin in a Rangers shirt. Like the team, he suffered from the tumult at Ibrox, with the individual and collective showing moments of quality and purpose but that could not be sustained into a meaningful outcome.
The superb comeback at Falkirk is a perfect example. Rangers were awful in the first half, going 2-0 down before grabbing a goal before the interval.
Raskin was majestic in the second half, including a wonderful goal, as Danny Rohl’s team romped to a 6-3 victory.
After the split, everything fell to pieces. Raskin had minimal impact in crucial games against Motherwell and Hearts, then he missed the last games of the campaign.
The World Cup beckoned and Raskin grabbed his opportunity, contributing to Belgium’s run to the quarter-finals.
He needs to go, to grow and push on. He needs a different environment to find greater consistency and perhaps where he can fulfil a more defined role.
McInnes already pushing ahead
Rangers have already acquired Dan Neil and Cammy Devlin in centre midfield.
Vanja Dragojevic is on the brink of being announced as a Rangers player. Another could follow.
The futures of Mo Diomande and Connor Barron appear uncertain, but Raskin is on his way. Derek McInnes is already well down the line with planning without him.
Rangers need the sale to reinvest and to gain the credit for player trading. It is an important move in more ways than one, for player and club.
