Nicolas Raskin appears poised to depart Rangers after being omitted from the squad travelling to the Czech Republic for the club's Conference League play-off return leg against Jablonec, while South Korean winger Kim Min-su is expected to arrive in Glasgow imminently to complete a move from Girona.
The 25-year-old Belgian midfielder, who has made 149 appearances for Rangers over three-and-a-half years, has attracted significant transfer interest in recent weeks. Turkish club Fenerbahce have moved to the forefront of the pursuit, with reports from Turkey indicating that Fenerbahce have initiated official contact, potentially valuing Raskin at around 20 million euros. His current Rangers contract extends until June 2028, and his estimated market value stands at 17 million euros.
Manager Derek McInnes confirmed Raskin's absence without elaborating extensively on the circumstances.
Nico hasn't travelled, nothing to do with injury or anything like that, just the potential of a transfer,McInnes stated.
I just think we're so late in the window, maybe it's something the club's looking at. So, he's trained this morning but he's been left back in Glasgow.
The manager acknowledged that Raskin's departure had been anticipated since his arrival at Ibrox.
When I came into the job, it was quite clear that there was maybe going to be an opportunity for Nico elsewhere. There's been plenty of interest in him. We believe that interest has stepped up over the last couple of days.McInnes added that
something may or may not happen. If Nico stays beyond the window, then it would be great to work with him, but if he doesn't, we wish him well.
Raskin's potential exit comes as Rangers advance their pursuit of Kim Min-su from La Liga side Girona. The South Korean winger was expected to arrive in Glasgow within 48 hours for a medical, positioning him to become Rangers' 12th summer signing under McInnes's tenure.
How close is the Kim deal?
McInnes indicated that negotiations with Girona are at an advanced stage.
We're close to certainly doing one,he said.
Min-su is obviously one that we've been really active on. We're not in a position where we can announce anything at the minute but it wouldn't be a million miles away to suggest that hopefully that one happens for us.
The manager also hinted at further recruitment activity before the transfer window closes.
We're still working on one or two other things. The sooner we get them in, the better but the club are working hard to try and deliver the players that we require for the season ahead.
What are Rangers' immediate fixtures?
Rangers' squad changes come at a critical juncture in their European campaign. The club secured a 1-0 victory in the first leg of their Conference League play-off against Jablonec at Ibrox, and the return leg is scheduled for the Czech Republic the following Thursday. Domestically, Rangers are due to face Aberdeen in Scottish Premiership action on 30 August, making the timing of any squad adjustments particularly significant as McInnes seeks to balance European and league commitments.
Background on Raskin's Rangers career
Raskin's potential departure marks the end of a significant chapter at Ibrox. The midfielder arrived at Rangers and has become a regular fixture in the midfield, accumulating 149 appearances for the club. His departure would represent a notable loss of experience in the centre of the park, though McInnes has indicated that such a move was always a possibility given the competitive nature of European football and the interest Raskin has attracted from elite clubs across the continent.
Key Facts
- Nicolas Raskin omitted from Rangers' squad for the Conference League play-off return leg in the Czech Republic due to transfer interest from Fenerbahce
- Kim Min-su expected to undergo medical in Glasgow within 48 hours as Rangers close in on signing the Girona winger for their 12th summer recruitment
- Raskin's contract at Rangers runs until June 2028, with his market value estimated at 17 million euros
- Rangers hold a 1-0 advantage from the first leg against Jablonec, with the return fixture scheduled for the following Thursday
- McInnes confirmed Rangers are pursuing additional signings before facing Aberdeen on 30 August
