As reported by Sacha Tavolieri, Rangers are closing in on a deal with Standard Liege to sign 21 year-old midfielder Nicolas Raskin. The central midfielder was dropped from the first team after contract negotiations stalled, with the player’s current deal up at the end of this season. Despite reports that the player preferred a move to France, it appears that he will be making his way to Ibrox instead.
Rangers have been active in signing players from the Belgian Pro League in recent years. Fashion Sakala, Kemar Roofe and Rabbi Matondo all left Belgium for Scotland and Rangers.
Prior to being dismissed from the first team, Raskin played 17 games this season for Standard, scoring once and providing four assists.
Raskin had been rumored to leave over the summer, with teams like Club Brugge, Reims, Bologna and Rangers being interested. However, a move did not materialise and Raskin remained with Standard. The club had been hopeful that an improvement on the pitch would convince the 20 year-old to stay in Liege, yet no contract agreement has been reached.
Head coach Ronny Deila spoke about the situation a few months ago. The Norwegian said “It’s a shame, because he’s a fantastic boy and an important player for us. It is a political decision and as a club you also have to create value on your players”.
