Ex-Rangers midfielder Scott Arfield says Rangers should embrace the sale of Nicolas Raskin if they can secure a ‘healthy profit’ for the Belgian.
But the Canadian fully understands that’s the last thing Rangers fans want to see happen this summer given Raskin’s tremendous form of late.
Rangers beat Celtic 3-2 last time out in the Premiership with Raskin proving to be the best player on the park, as well as scoring the first goal early in the derby.
Before that, the 24-year-old was a major influence in Rangers’ stunning 3-1 victory away to Fenerbahce in the Europa League, providing a superb assist for Vaclav Cerny.
And last week, Raskin’s stock continued to rise after impressing on his Belgium debut against Ukraine, which prompted praise from boss Rudi Garcia.
Arfield says Rangers should ’embrace’ Nicolas Raskin transfer exit
James McFadden has warned Rangers against selling Raskin this summer, but Arfield appears to be in a different school of thought.
The Falkirk man points to the fact Rangers’ player trading model has failed in recent years, but the sale of Raskin would represent a success in that regard.
Writing in the Daily Record, Arfield said: “Nico Raskin seems to be the name on everybody’s lips right now.
“And with Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku singing his praises, you can bet the transfer chat around the Rangers midfielder won’t be slowing anytime soon. It’s been an incredible couple of weeks for the little Belgian.
“From helping to upset both Jose Mourinho and Brendan Rodgers to winning his first senior caps for the Red Devils, things couldn’t have gone any better. And with his stock soaring, it’s no wonder he’s being tipped for a big summer move.
“Of course I understand that’s the last thing the Rangers support will want to hear right now. They’ll see Nico as the man they should be building their team around so it’s no surprise most are terrified of losing him at the end of the season.
“But for me, Rangers shouldn’t fear his departure – they should embrace it as a sign that the club is finally getting things right when it comes to their so-called player-trading model. Let’s be honest here, far too many players have been allowed to walk out of Ibrox far too cheaply.
“We’ve seen huge talents like Ryan Kent and Alfredo Morelos depart on free transfers. And while Celtic have been punting players for 10-15million here, there and everywhere, the Rangers board unfortunately only managed to raise just £800k selling FIVE players last summer.
“This time, though, they should be confident of making a healthy profit at last which can then be reinvested in the side.”
Rangers need to replicate Celtic transfer model
Arfield may have just created a few Rangers fan enemies now with what he has just said about Raskin. But he’s bang on about one thing.
And that is the Ibrox club’s player trading model, which pales in comparison to what Celtic have been achieving in that regard.
Despite holding £65m in their bank account and qualifying regularly for the Champions League, Celtic still have a tendency to buy small and sell big.
Their 2024 summer transfer window was indicative of that. They sold Matt O’Riley, Oh Hyeon-gyu and Mikey Johnston for around £33m combined.
What did those three players collectively cost Celtic when they signed? A mere £4m. So that’s a profit of £29m, tremendous business.
Rangers haven’t got anywhere near that since the sales of Nathan Patterson and Calvin Bassey in 2022 for a combined £36m.
