Rangers are ready to take an important step for Russell Martin’s summer transfer plans by initiating contract talks with a player worth €9 million.
Nico Raskin was one of those bright spots in a disappointing 2024/25 season for Rangers. The Scottish giants are now ready to do everything possible to keep the Belgian international at Ibrox.
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New manager Russell Martin values the 24-year-old highly and sees the former Standard Liège player as the figure he “wants to build his team around”.
Raskin’s current contract expires in 2027, and in an attempt to stave off growing transfer interest, Rangers’ new owners want to secure the midfield star’s long-term future.
Sky Sports indicates that Rangers are currently only preparing for talks with the player, but teammate Dujon Sterling has hinted that there is already an offer on the table. In response to an Instagram comment from Raskin, Sterling exclaimed, “Sign the contract!”
Raskin has an estimated market value (ETV) of €8.8 million, making him Rangers’ second most valuable player, behind fellow midfielder Mohammed Diomande (€9.3 million).
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Rangers are closing in on three new signings Rangers
are also making progress in the transfer market, with a deal for Bournemouth’s Max Aarons all but done, as well as a potential transfer for Kwame Poku in the works.
Sky Sports reports:
“Rangers have reached a deal with Bournemouth for 25-year-old defender Max Aarons. The agreement is a simple loan with no option for a permanent transfer.”
It is also believed that the Rangers are interested in Osijek stopper Luka Jelenic. Croatian 24Sata reports that he is determined to leave his current club, with Vitoria Guimaraes also linked with the 25-year-old.
No transfer fee has been mentioned, but it is believed that Osijek wants “serious money” for a player they bought for just €800,000 a year ago.
The Rangers have one major advantage in this situation, as Osijek will need to sell before they can even trade on the transfer market.
With a combination of contract hedging and new signings, Rangers seem to be deliberately strengthening both the short and long term under Russell Martin’s leadership.
