Rangers midfielder Nicolas Raskin has emerged on the transfer radars of Premier League giants Manchester United and Aston Villa, as the reasons behind a potential delay in sorting his Ibrox future are laid bare.
The 25-year-old has enjoyed a sensational rise over the last month. After starring in Belgium’s run to the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarter-finals, Raskin returned to Europe on Sunday to find a storm of transfer speculation waiting for him.
While international teammates like Youri Tielemans, Thomas Meunier and Leandro Trossard quickly wrapped up new transfers on Monday and Tuesday, Raskin appears to be intentionally hitting the brakes.
Rangers News revealed on Wednesday that the Belgian international is prioritising a much-needed summer holiday after his World Cup exertions, especially since he played his first game of the 2025-26 season on 22 July 2025.
That, coupled with a lack of a concrete offer, is likely to temporarily stall his exit from Ibrox.
Nicolas Raskin has been linked with a Rangers exit…
Nicolas Raskin told to seek immediate Ibrox exit
According to a report from prominent Belgian outlet Voetbal Krant, the consensus in Raskin’s homeland is that his time in Scotland has run its course.
Under contract at Ibrox until 2028, the outlet notes that Rangers would be “very foolish not to cash in on Raskin’s World Cup and block a transfer”, though any exit will strictly have to be at the “right price”.
The Gers have already shown their resolve by knocking back a £12million to £14million opening bid from Premier League newcomers Hull City.
Rangers are holding out for a fee well in excess of £20m, with some reports suggesting they could demand up to £25m to let their star man go.
While Real Betis and Villarreal were already in talks with Rangers prior to the World Cup, Voetbal Krant believes those clubs – alongside Hull City – now “stand little chance” of matching the required financial packages.
Manchester United and Aston Villa shortlist Rangers man
Instead, elite heavyweights are beginning to circle.
Inter Milan have reportedly set their sights on Raskin as part of a summer rejuvenation project, viewing him as a perfect fit for their midfield philosophy.
Additionally, Premier League powerhouses Aston Villa and Manchester United have the 19-time Belgian international on their long list of transfer targets, according to the aforementioned source.
Nico Raskin is making a name for himself on the international stage! 😍
If he is to leave Rangers, how much should he be sold for?
Raskin makes sentimental pitstop before vacation
Before officially starting his holidays, Raskin made a brief, heartwarming trip back to his roots in Belgium on Tuesday, 14 July.
As reported by Sudinfo, Raskin spent Tuesday afternoon visiting local club RS Waremmien FC to greet 30 children participating in a junior summer camp organised by his brother, Maxime.
It was a sentimental homecoming for the midfielder, who played on those exact pitches at the age of five before joining Standard Liege.
The family’s connection to the club remains incredibly tight, with his father, Thierry, currently coaching the Stade Waremmien first team in the Belgian fifth division.
We spoke exclusively with Maxime Hendrick of Sudinfo, who provided the latest on Raskin’s future:
“Nicolas was visiting Stade Waremmien on Tuesday, before a few days of vacation… We understand that he would like to take the next step in his club career this summer, though there are no concrete offers as yet”, Hendrick revealed.
“Standard Liege are keeping a close watch on the situation, having negotiated a 20 per cent sell-on clause.”
Standard Liege’s hefty 20 per cent sell-on entitlement explains exactly why Rangers are determined to hold out for a premium fee of £20m-plus.
At 25 years old, Raskin simply “cannot afford to end up on the bench” at his next destination, as noted by Voetbal Krant, meaning making the correct career choice this summer is paramount.
