adminRangers will not stand in the way of midfielder Nicolas Raskin moving to a new club next summer.
That is according to former Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, who believes that the Gers know they have essentially “delayed the inevitable” regarding his departure.
The Belgian recently admitted that he had been mentally prepared to leave Ibrox in the summer, but remained at the club once again with his contract running until 2028.
Wyness believes that Rangers will have spoken to Raskin “behind the scenes” and will be willing to ensure that an exit works for both parties next summer.
The Scottish businessman highlighted the “good feeling” that has emerged within the squad following the recent back-to-back victories over Celtic.
Keeping Raskin content will be important for maintaining that atmosphere under Derek McInnes, as his side aim to challenge for the Scottish Premiership title.
Nicolas Raskin ‘enjoying his football’
Aberdeen’s former chief Wyness – who was CEO at Pittodrie between 2000 and 2004 and now operates a consultancy business advising elite clubs – believes that Raskin is “enjoying his football” at Ibrox at present.
The former boardroom executive feels that Rangers have put themselves in a strong position to retain the 25-year-old for the whole season, given their encouraging start.
However, speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness explained that Rangers are likely to have reached an understanding that Raskin can depart next summer.
“I think it’s delaying the inevitable, and it’s about keeping him happy and satisfied at the moment, getting him involved, making sure he’s positive and that they come to an agreement about how he’s going to leave,” he said.
“It’s got to be the way to keep a player like that because he can offer a lot, but a sulking Raskin is no value at all to the club, and it’s also not an inspiration to the rest of the team around him.
“The results they’ve had recently would tend to give them the chance to do that because he will be enjoying his football, there’ll be a good feeling in the squad, and so they’ve got every chance to get that going.
“I’m sure behind the scenes they’ll be making sure that the right offer for both parties is available and that they’re not going to block the way. He will know that something is going to be happening to allow him to leave at the right time.
“But I think Rangers could get one last good season out of him and still get a decent price at the end of that, and that would be a great result for McInnes.
Rangers’ chances of keeping Olwethu Makhanya in January revealed
Football Insider revealed earlier this week that Rangers are confident they will be able to retain key centre-back Olwethu Makhanya beyond the upcoming January window.
The 22-year-old joined the Gers for just £3million in the summer and has already established himself as one of the first names on the team sheet.
Sources say that Rangers remain “relaxed” about Makhanya’s future, despite interest from Europe’s top five leagues being anticipated.
The defender has already shown himself to be a bargain for McInnes and Co., and he could potentially generate a substantial fee for Rangers in the future.
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