Rangers face a difficult call as January approaches. Derek McInnes has rebuilt his squad, and the Ibrox side are chasing domestic honours with a midfield that needs stability. Losing a regular starter halfway through that work would force the manager to rethink.
The Belgian has given Rangers control this season. He can press opponents, recover possession and move the ball quickly, while his work rate helps protect the defence when full-backs advance. Those qualities matter in a team building partnerships after a summer of arrivals and departures.
His latest contribution came against Dundee on 17 October, when he scored in a 2-2 draw. Across seven Scottish Premiership appearances in 2026/27, the 25-year-old has played around 595 minutes and scored once, according to season statistics. Last season, he registered six league goals and seven assists in 33 appearances, showing that his game can produce at both ends of the pitch.
That form has attracted attention beyond Scotland. TEAMtalk exclusively reports that Real Betis are monitoring Nicolas Raskin ahead of January, having tracked the midfielder for some time. The report says a move to LaLiga appeals to the Belgian international, who wants to test himself in one of Europe’s top-five leagues.
Raskin turned down Beşiktaş in the summer despite agreeing personal terms, because he did not view the Turkish Süper Lig as the right next step. Aston Villa have shown interest before, while a January exit could depend on whether a suitor meets Rangers’ reported £20 million valuation. His contract runs until 2028, leaving the Scottish club with little reason to accept a reduced fee. No reliable weekly salary figure has been disclosed, so claims about his wages would be guesswork.
Nico Raskin Transfer News: How can McInnes justify blocking Raskin’s January move?
Keeping Raskin makes sporting sense unless Betis or another club meets the asking price. McInnes has changed the squad significantly, and losing a central midfielder now would weaken continuity as the title race takes shape. Dan Neil’s partnership with Raskin gives Rangers a settled base; replacing either player mid-season would demand time, money and tactical adjustments.
The financial argument is straightforward. A reported £20 million fee would give Rangers a sum to reinvest, but only if they can secure a suitable replacement without paying a winter premium.
Selling for less would give the buying club a discount while leaving McInnes with a problem that could cost points. The manager should make clear that Raskin remains central to his plans, rather than treating him as an asset to cash in at the first opportunity.
There is a limit, though. Rangers cannot ignore a player’s ambition indefinitely, especially when a major European league matches his stated career aims. If Betis meet the valuation and Raskin wants to leave, the club should negotiate add-ons or a sell-on clause instead of forcing a stand-off.
Until then, McInnes can justify keeping him through January: the midfielder is playing regularly, scoring and helping a reshaped side compete. That is a stronger reason to retain him than sentiment alone.
