Clear frontrunners have emerged in the battle to sign Rangers midfielder Nicolas Raskin, with La Liga outfit Villarreal and Italian giants AS Roma leading the chase for his signature.
Reports from Belgian publication Voetbal Krant reveal that the 25-year-old international feels he has largely written the final chapter of his story in Glasgow and is now eager to test his capabilities in a higher-tier European division.
As his post-World Cup break draws to a close, Raskin is spoiled for choice regarding potential destinations, though Villarreal currently hold the upper hand in negotiations over Roma.
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According to sources at Voetbal Krant, the midfield playmaker has communicated a clear desire to take the next step in his club career following a successful stint at Ibrox.
While interest from English Premier League clubs remains present, a move to Spanish football with Villarreal is viewed as an ideal tactical fit that could solidify his long-term spot in Belgium’s midfield engine room under new national coach Mark Van Bommel.
Meanwhile, a move to Serie A has also been heavily mooted for the former Standard Liege man this summer, with Atalanta also credited with an interest earlier.
At Roma, Raskin would play under a renowned tactician in Gian Piero Gasperini.
Whereas at Villarreal, he would be supervised by a rather young manager in Inigo Perez, 38.
What this means for Rangers
Having joined Rangers from Standard Liege in January 2023, Raskin has developed into one of the most bankable assets at Ibrox.
Any prospective sale would command a substantial transfer fee, providing the Govan club with vital financial capital to reinvest across other areas of the squad before the transfer deadline.
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The Andrew Cavenagh-led club are reportedly holding out for a fee in excess of £20million, as they look to make further additions to their squad ahead of the 2026/27 season.
Rangers are on the verge of signing Olwethu Makhanya from Philadelphia Union for £3.4m, while they have also stepped up efforts to sign Brighton’s Amario Cozier-Duberry, who is rated at over £5m.
With two heavyweight continental clubs competing for his services, Raskin’s exit appears increasingly inevitable.
If Villarreal press home their advantage, Rangers stand to turn a significant profit on a player ready to take the next logical step in his international career.
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