The summer of 2026 could mark the beginning of a significant transformation at Rangers Football Club. Following another eventful campaign and major changes behind the scenes, the club appears to be entering a new era under manager Derek McInnes. With the Scottish Premiership season fast approaching, attention is increasingly turning toward the future of several key players, particularly influential midfielder Nicolas Raskin.
For years, Raskin has been regarded as one of Rangers’ most valuable assets. Since arriving from Standard Liège in January 2023, the Belgian midfielder has played a major role in the club’s midfield, combining technical quality, energy, creativity, and leadership. However, speculation surrounding his future has become a recurring theme, and reports now suggest that his long-anticipated departure may finally happen during the current transfer window.
Should Rangers decide to cash in on one of their most sought-after stars, replacing him will not be an easy task. Yet recent reports indicate that the club may already have a successor in mind. Motherwell’s Elliot Watt has emerged as a serious transfer target and could become one of the most important signings of the McInnes era.
## A New Beginning at Rangers
The appointment of Derek McInnes represents a major shift in direction for Rangers. After several years of managerial changes and differing football philosophies, the club has opted for experience and stability.
McInnes arrives at Ibrox with a strong reputation in Scottish football. Having managed at the highest level domestically for many years, he understands the demands, expectations, and pressures associated with competing for trophies in Scotland. His appointment signals Rangers’ desire to build a team capable of challenging consistently rather than relying on short-term solutions.
The new campaign begins with a challenging trip to Tannadice before a home fixture against Hibernian. Expectations among supporters are high, and there is widespread interest in how McInnes will shape his squad during his first transfer window.
One of the biggest questions concerns the future of several established players, including Nicolas Raskin.
## Nicolas Raskin’s Rangers Journey
When Rangers signed Nicolas Raskin from Belgian side Standard Liège, many supporters viewed the move as a major statement of intent. The midfielder arrived with a strong reputation and was considered one of Belgium’s brightest talents.
Over the years, Raskin has demonstrated why he was so highly rated. His ability to drive forward with the ball, create opportunities, press opponents aggressively, and contribute goals has made him one of Rangers’ most influential performers.
Despite occasional inconsistency and various managerial changes, he remained a key figure within the squad. His technical ability often allowed Rangers to dominate matches in midfield, while his determination and work ethic earned praise from supporters.
However, his time at Ibrox has not been without challenges. Reports of disagreements with previous managers Philippe Clement and Russell Martin occasionally surfaced, creating uncertainty regarding his long-term future.
Even so, under Danny Rohl, Raskin appeared to rediscover his best form.
## A Strong Final Season
The 2025/26 campaign was arguably one of Raskin’s most productive seasons in a Rangers shirt.
Operating in a more advanced and influential role, he finished the league season with an impressive tally of 13 combined goals and assists. His ability to contribute in attacking areas added another dimension to his game and highlighted his growing maturity as a midfielder.
Whether scoring goals himself or creating chances for teammates, Raskin became increasingly important as the season progressed.
His performances naturally attracted interest from clubs across Europe. Scouts from England and Italy reportedly continued monitoring him closely, recognizing that he possesses the qualities required to succeed at a higher level.
With two years remaining on his contract, Rangers still hold a strong negotiating position. Nevertheless, many observers believe that this summer may represent the ideal time to sell.
## Growing Interest from Abroad
Transfer speculation surrounding Nicolas Raskin is nothing new. Almost every transfer window since his arrival has generated rumours linking him with a move away from Glasgow.
This time, however, the situation appears more serious.
Reports suggest that the midfielder has informed Rangers of his desire to seek a new challenge. Premier League clubs have reportedly been tracking his development for more than a year, while interest from Serie A is becoming increasingly significant.
One club heavily linked with Raskin is Atalanta.
The Italian side are believed to be searching for midfield reinforcements as they prepare for potential squad changes of their own. Should they lose key midfielder Ederson, Raskin has emerged as a candidate capable of filling the void.
Atalanta’s reputation for developing players and competing regularly in European competitions could make the move particularly attractive for the Belgian international.
If a substantial offer arrives, Rangers may decide that the timing is right to sell.
## Why Rangers Might Be Open to a Sale
Selling a player of Raskin’s quality would undoubtedly disappoint supporters. However, modern football often requires clubs to make difficult financial decisions.
Rangers could potentially receive one of the largest transfer fees in their history if multiple clubs become involved in a bidding war.
A major sale would provide valuable funds that could be reinvested across several positions, allowing McInnes to strengthen multiple areas of his squad rather than relying heavily on one individual.
Furthermore, with Raskin reportedly eager to move on, keeping an unhappy player may not benefit either party.
From a business perspective, selling at the peak of his market value could represent smart planning.
Of course, that approach only works if Rangers identify the right replacement.
## Enter Elliot Watt
Among the names linked with Rangers, Elliot Watt stands out as perhaps the most intriguing.
The Motherwell midfielder enjoyed an outstanding 2025/26 season and established himself as one of the best performers in Scottish football.
At 26 years old, Watt is entering the prime years of his career. His performances helped Motherwell secure an impressive fourth-place finish, exceeding expectations and earning widespread praise throughout the campaign.
Analysts and supporters alike regularly highlighted his importance to the team.
His consistency, intelligence, and ability to control games from midfield made him one of the league’s standout players.
Some observers even described him as the best midfielder in the Scottish Premiership during the season.
Such praise inevitably attracted interest from larger clubs.
## Why Watt Fits Rangers’ New Strategy
Recent transfer activity suggests that Rangers are adopting a slightly different recruitment strategy under their current ownership and management structure.
Rather than focusing exclusively on foreign markets, the club appears increasingly interested in players who already understand Scottish football.
This approach offers several advantages.
Players arriving from within the Premiership typically require less adaptation time. They understand the physical demands of the league, are familiar with opponents, and can settle into their new environment more quickly.
Lawrence Shankland’s arrival is one example of this philosophy.
Elliot Watt would fit perfectly into the same model.
He has already proven himself in Scotland and possesses the experience necessary to handle the pressures associated with playing for a club of Rangers’ size.
## The Numbers Behind Watt’s Success
Statistics often provide valuable insight into a player’s overall influence, and Watt’s numbers from last season are particularly impressive.
Although he operated primarily as a deeper midfielder, he still managed to contribute nine goals and assists throughout the campaign.
However, his impact extends far beyond attacking statistics.
Watt averaged more than 97 touches per game, highlighting his role as Motherwell’s primary midfield conductor. Every attacking move frequently passed through him.
His passing numbers were equally impressive.
He completed approximately 69 accurate passes per game, demonstrating both composure and reliability in possession.
These figures significantly exceeded Raskin’s averages, emphasizing Watt’s ability to dictate the tempo of matches.
While Raskin often excels in dynamic forward movements, Watt thrives through control, distribution, and game management.
Those qualities could prove extremely valuable in a Rangers side expected to dominate possession against most domestic opponents.
## Defensive Contributions
Modern midfielders must contribute defensively as well as offensively.
In this area, Watt also performed exceptionally well.
He averaged more tackles and interceptions per game than Raskin while recording significantly more ball recoveries.
These numbers suggest a player capable of reading the game effectively and regaining possession for his team.
His positioning and awareness allow him to break up opposition attacks before they become dangerous.
For a Rangers side looking to maintain control in difficult matches, such attributes could be invaluable.
## Efficiency in Front of Goal
One particularly interesting statistic concerns Watt’s efficiency.
Despite scoring six goals, he reportedly missed only one major scoring opportunity throughout the season.
This level of composure is rare for a midfielder.
By comparison, Raskin missed several clear chances despite registering a higher overall goal contribution.
While the Belgian undoubtedly offers greater attacking explosiveness, Watt’s efficiency demonstrates his intelligence and decision-making in key moments.
Those qualities often separate good players from exceptional ones.
## How McInnes Could Use Watt
If Rangers complete a deal for Watt, he could quickly become the central figure in McInnes’ midfield system.
His ability to receive possession under pressure, distribute accurately, and maintain structure would make him an ideal foundation for the team’s build-up play.
McInnes has historically valued disciplined, hardworking midfielders capable of controlling matches through intelligence rather than pure athleticism.
Watt appears perfectly suited to that profile.
Surrounded by higher-profile attacking players, he could provide the balance necessary for Rangers to operate effectively.
## The Challenge of Replacing Raskin
Regardless of who arrives, replacing Nicolas Raskin will not be straightforward.
Players capable of combining creativity, energy, goals, and technical quality are difficult to find.
Supporters have watched him develop into one of the club’s most influential figures, and his departure would leave a significant void.
Yet football constantly evolves.
Every major departure creates opportunities for new leaders to emerge.
If Rangers secure a substantial transfer fee and reinvest wisely, they may ultimately emerge stronger.
Elliot Watt may not replicate every aspect of Raskin’s game, but he could offer something different—greater control, consistency, and tactical discipline.
## Looking Ahead
As Rangers prepare for the 2026/27 season, much remains uncertain.
Transfer negotiations, squad restructuring, and managerial changes have created an atmosphere of anticipation around Ibrox.
Nicolas Raskin’s future will undoubtedly remain one of the summer’s biggest stories. Whether he ultimately moves to England, Italy, or elsewhere, his departure would represent the end of an important chapter.
At the same time, it could mark the beginning of another.
Elliot Watt has already shown that he possesses the quality to thrive in Scottish football. If Rangers complete the deal, he could become one of the defining signings of the Derek McInnes era.
For supporters, the prospect of losing a star player is never easy. Yet football is built on renewal and reinvention. Should Raskin leave, Rangers will hope that Watt can step into the spotlight and help drive the club toward a new period of success.
The coming weeks will reveal whether that transition becomes reality, but one thing is certain: Rangers are preparing for change, and Elliot Watt may be at the centre of it.
