Raskin Admits Disappointment Over Failed Summer Transfer From Rangers

Nicolas Raskin has expressed his disappointment at not securing a move away from Rangers during the recent transfer window. The 25-year-old midfielder, who has been instrumental in the team's improved form, admitted he was mentally prepared to leave the Ibrox club after three and a half years.

Raskin's potential departure was fueled by his performances at the World Cup with Belgium, and he was notably left out of some squads in August amidst transfer speculation. Despite late interest from Turkish club Besiktas, Raskin found himself staying at Rangers, describing the summer as a "complicated" period.

"It is a bit of a disappointment, because I was mentally ready to leave," Raskin told Belgian journalists. "But that is football and it is not a big deal. There are many parameters and off-field matters you have to take into account during a transfer."

He added that while he desired a step forward in his career, he acknowledged Rangers is a good club where he is playing regularly and the team is achieving positive results. "If you ask me if I wanted to take a step forward and keep moving forward, I say yes."

The midfielder found the uncertainty surrounding his future challenging, particularly when a move to Besiktas seemed imminent. He recounted a situation on the morning of September 2, the day before the transfer window closed, where he was informed of an offer and near agreement.

"A transfer window like that isn’t easy for anyone,” he said. “Not for the players, but not for their families either. There is a lot of uncertainty. You’re basically just waiting for your phone to ring. On the morning of September 2, they called me to say that there was an offer (believed to be from Besiktas) and even almost an agreement. But I had a match that evening. On the bus to the stadium, I still didn’t know if I would stay at Rangers. An hour later, I was on the pitch. There wasn’t much time to think."

Raskin stated that his focus is now entirely on performing for Rangers and improving his game, aiming for a successful transfer in the future. "From now on, the focus is back on myself and on performing as well as possible, so that the next transfer window goes better. I am not someone who gives up easily anyway. Life goes on. There are worse things."

In related news, defender Clinton Nsiala has completed a permanent transfer to UAE Pro League side Sharjah FC for an estimated £300,000. Nsiala made 17 appearances for Rangers after joining from AC Milan in the summer of 2024.