Rangers star’s ‘favoured’ transfer option revealed with €45m midfielder poised for Man Utd move

Rangers could be set for another major summer transfer saga as speculation surrounding Nico Raskin continues to gather momentum. The Belgian midfielder has become one of the most talked-about players at Ibrox following his impressive performances over the last two seasons, and fresh reports suggest that interest in his services is beginning to intensify across Europe.

The transfer market is already moving quickly despite the FIFA World Cup still taking place in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Clubs across Europe are identifying targets, preparing bids and reshaping their squads ahead of the new season. Rangers are no exception, especially following a significant managerial change that has brought a new direction to the club.

The Glasgow giants recently confirmed Derek McInnes as their new head coach after the departure of Danny Rohl. The managerial switch marks the beginning of another chapter for Rangers as they look to challenge for domestic honours and improve their standing in European competition. McInnes arrives with a strong reputation built during successful spells in Scottish football, and supporters will be hoping he can build a squad capable of delivering consistent success.

However, before Rangers can focus entirely on strengthening their squad, there remains the possibility that several key players could depart. One player attracting particular attention is Nico Raskin, whose stock has risen dramatically over the past eighteen months.

The Belgian midfielder has developed into one of Rangers’ most important players and has become a regular presence in the centre of the park. His performances have not gone unnoticed, and a growing number of clubs are reportedly monitoring his situation closely.

Recent reports suggest that Raskin has informed those close to him that he would be open to leaving Ibrox this summer if the right opportunity emerges. While Rangers are understood to value the midfielder highly, interest from clubs competing in Europe’s top leagues could make retaining him increasingly difficult.

One of the clubs strongly linked with a move is Italian side Atalanta. The Serie A outfit are believed to be considering Raskin as a potential replacement for Brazilian midfielder Ederson, who appears to be edging closer to a transfer to Manchester United.

Manchester United have been searching for midfield reinforcements and reports indicate that Ederson has emerged as one of their leading targets. The Premier League giants are reportedly prepared to spend around €45 million to secure the Brazilian’s signature, a move that would leave Atalanta needing to find a high-quality replacement.

Raskin is believed to be among the names at the top of their shortlist.

Atalanta have earned a reputation for identifying talented players before they reach their peak and developing them into top-level performers. The club’s recruitment model has delivered impressive results in recent years, helping them compete consistently in European competitions despite operating with a smaller budget than many of Italy’s traditional giants.

A move to Bergamo could therefore be an attractive proposition for Raskin. Serie A has become an increasingly popular destination for talented midfielders, offering a combination of tactical development and high-level competition.

Reports suggest that Atalanta may intensify their pursuit once Ederson’s departure is finalised. Should Manchester United complete their deal, the Italian side would have significant funds available to invest in a replacement.

Rangers supporters will undoubtedly be concerned by such developments given Raskin’s importance to the team.

Since arriving in Glasgow, the midfielder has transformed himself into one of the most complete players in the Scottish Premiership. His ability to break up opposition attacks, retain possession under pressure and contribute creatively has made him an essential part of the Rangers midfield.

His performances have also helped him establish himself at international level with Belgium.

Raskin is currently representing his country at the FIFA World Cup, another milestone in what has been a remarkable rise over the last few years. Appearing on football’s biggest stage only increases a player’s visibility and often attracts further transfer interest from clubs around the world.

The midfielder made his World Cup debut during Belgium’s draw against Egypt, entering the match during the second half. Although it was only a substitute appearance, it represented another important step in his international career.

Belgium continue to regard him as one of the country’s most promising midfield talents.

Raskin’s journey to this point has been far from straightforward. He began his development in Belgium before emerging through the youth ranks and eventually making his senior breakthrough. His technical quality was evident from a young age, but his determination and work ethic have been equally important factors in his progression.

After gaining valuable experience in Belgian football, he earned a move to Rangers in January 2023. At the time, many supporters viewed the transfer as a smart piece of business rather than a headline-grabbing signing.

The transfer fee was relatively modest compared to modern market standards, with Rangers reportedly paying around £1.5 million plus additional bonuses.

Looking back now, the deal appears to have been one of the club’s most successful signings in recent years.

Raskin quickly adapted to Scottish football and demonstrated qualities that made him stand out from many of his peers. He possessed the technical ability required to control games but also showed the physical attributes necessary to thrive in the demanding environment of Scottish football.

Managers, teammates and supporters all recognised his influence.

As the seasons progressed, he became increasingly important to Rangers. His consistency helped him establish himself as a first-choice midfielder, and he frequently delivered strong performances in both domestic and European fixtures.

His rise eventually earned him recognition from the Belgian national team.

Making a senior international debut is a major achievement for any footballer, particularly in a country with Belgium’s depth of talent. Raskin earned his first appearance for the senior side in 2025 and has continued to feature regularly ever since.

The experience gained at international level has helped elevate his profile significantly.

Scouts from clubs across Europe routinely monitor international matches, and Raskin’s performances have only strengthened his reputation as a player capable of succeeding at a higher level.

Atalanta are not believed to be the only club showing interest.

Several Premier League sides have reportedly tracked the midfielder over the past eighteen months. Among those linked are Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa and Crystal Palace. All three clubs have been credited with monitoring his progress and assessing whether he could strengthen their midfield options.

The Premier League remains one of the most attractive destinations for footballers due to its financial power and global profile. Any concrete interest from English clubs would present Rangers with another challenge in their efforts to keep hold of one of their most valuable assets.

For Rangers, the situation presents both opportunity and risk.

On one hand, losing a player of Raskin’s quality would be a significant blow to the team’s ambitions. Replacing a midfielder who contributes so much in every phase of play would not be easy.

On the other hand, a major transfer fee could provide valuable resources for Derek McInnes as he begins building his own squad.

Modern football often requires clubs outside Europe’s financial elite to sell players at the right moment. Rangers have benefited from this strategy in the past, generating substantial income through player sales while reinvesting in the squad.

Whether Raskin becomes the next high-profile departure remains to be seen.

For now, the midfielder’s focus will likely remain on the World Cup and helping Belgium progress as far as possible in the tournament. Strong performances on the international stage could further increase his value and attract additional interest from clubs across Europe.

Meanwhile, Rangers supporters will continue watching developments closely.

The coming weeks could prove decisive. If Manchester United complete their move for Ederson, the chain reaction that follows may place Raskin firmly at the centre of the summer transfer market.

With Atalanta searching for reinforcements, Premier League clubs monitoring his situation and the player continuing to impress for both club and country, speculation is unlikely to disappear anytime soon.

What happens next could have a significant impact on Rangers’ plans for the new season. Derek McInnes is only just beginning his tenure as head coach and would ideally want to build around players of Raskin’s calibre rather than lose them.

However, football transfers are often driven by opportunity, ambition and timing. If the right offer arrives and the player decides that now is the moment to take the next step in his career, Rangers may ultimately have little choice but to negotiate.

For now, all eyes remain on Nico Raskin, a player whose future could become one of the biggest stories of Rangers’ summer.