Sources have confirmed to TEAMtalk that Rangers midfielder Nico Raskin has made clear his intention to leave Ibrox this summer in search of the next step in his career – and a move to replace a player poised to join Manchester United now looks the favoured option.
The 25-year-old Belgium international, currently representing his country at the 2026 World Cup in America, is keen to test himself at a higher level after an impressive spell in Glasgow, which has seen him emerge as a standout performer for the Glasgow giants.
Raskin, who has made 145 appearances for Rangers since joining from Standard Liège in January 2023 for £1.5 million, is versatile, energetic and technically gifted, having contributed significantly in central midfield, helping drive the team forward in that time.
His form has not gone unnoticed, with interest mounting across Europe. He has also become a key part of the talented Belgium squad and has had some standout performances for his country.
Italian side Atalanta have made contact with his representatives over the past month and are actively exploring a move. Sources suggest the Bergamo club view Raskin as a strong option to bolster their midfield under new manager Maurizio Sarri, particularly after selling Ederson to Manchester United for £38.4million (€45m, $51m).
Atalanta, though, are one of several clubs monitoring the situation closely and there is emerging and growing interest from within the Premier League…
Multiple English sides keen on Rangers star as price is set
Indeed, while Rangers are yet to field any solid enquiries for the 14-cap midfielder’s services, sources insist the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Crystal Palace, West Ham United, Leeds United, Aston Villa and Brighton have all scouted Raskin over the last 18 months.
European clubs like Porto, Real Betis, and Besiktas have also been watching and made previous enquiries.
Rangers are understood to value him at around £20 million (€23m, $27m) and will look to maximise any fee from his departure.
With his contract running until 2028, the club hold a strong negotiating position, but fans appear resigned to losing one of their key assets and are hopeful the board can secure a substantial sum to fund incoming transfers.
Raskin’s recent substitute appearance for Belgium, where he impressed in a 1-1 draw against Egypt, is likely to further enhance his profile, raise the asking price and could spark additional interest before the window opens properly. While no formal bids have yet materialised, speculation is intensifying and Rangers are expecting offers this summer.
For Rangers, the potential sale represents both a significant loss on the pitch and an opportunity to generate vital funds to help new manager Derek McInnes build his squad. As the summer unfolds, all eyes will be on whether the club can sell for a big profit.
The tactical dynamic under McInnes means that replacing a profile like Raskin will be a top priority for the recruitment team if Atalanta or one of the Premier League tracking clubs triggers the £20 million valuation threshold set by the board.
Losing a core midfield engine just as a new managerial tenure begins poses an immediate challenge for the Light Blues, but the substantial financial injection could redefine their spending power across the remainder of the summer transfer window.
Raskin himself remains focused on international duties in North America, but those close to the player suggest that he views a move to the Italian top flight or the English Premier League as the ideal platform to solidify his standing as a world-class midfielder.
With negotiations expected to develop quickly upon Belgium’s exit or completion of the tournament, the Ibrox decision-makers are already drafting shortlists of dynamic central midfield replacements to ensure the squad maintains its competitive edge for the domestic and European campaigns ahead.
The situation remains fluid, but Raskin’s clear desire for a fresh challenge means a parting of ways looks increasingly inevitable, leaving the Rangers hierarchy focused solely on extracting the maximum financial return possible from any suitor who comes forward with a concrete proposal.
The determination of the player to move on has left the hierarchy with very little choice but to plan for life without him, as retaining an unhappy player rarely benefits the dressing room atmosphere during a crucial transitional phase under a new management team.
The recruitment department has reportedly ramped up its scouting efforts across Scandinavia, France, and Belgium to unearth a replacement who can replicate Raskin’s high-octane press and defensive coverage in the engine room.
Several names have already been discussed internally, with the board wanting to ensure that a portion of the incoming £20 million fee is instantly reinvested back into the playing squad to pacify an expectant fan base demanding silverware next season.
Industry insiders believe that Atalanta will make their opening formal bid within the next few days, as Maurizio Sarri is desperate to have his midfield roster finalized before the commencement of their intensive pre-season training camp in Italy.
The lure of playing under Sarri and competing in the upper echelons of Serie A is a major factor driving Raskin’s desire for the move, alongside the obvious financial package that a top Italian club can offer compared to the wage structure in Scotland.
The Premier League interest also remains a major wildcard in the saga, as a sudden bidding war between clubs like Wolves, Crystal Palace, or West Ham could easily drive the final transfer fee beyond the initial £20 million valuation set by the Rangers board.
For now, the player’s representatives are working diligently behind the scenes to present the best possible options to their client, ensuring that his next career step aligns perfectly with his international ambitions ahead of upcoming European qualifiers.
Rangers supporters are keeping a close watch on the situation, with many taking to social media platforms to express their sadness at his impending departure but acknowledging that a multi-million pound profit on a player bought for just £1.5 million represents exceptional business for the club’s long-term sustainability model.
The coming weeks will undoubtedly prove decisive for the future of the Ibrox midfield, and the efficiency with which the club handles this high-profile departure will set the tone for the remainder of their summer transfer business under Derek McInnes.
