The transfer fee Rangers wanted for Nico Raskin as Derek McInnes reveals talks

Besiktas failed to meet Rangers’ £20 million valuation for Nico Raskin after making a late approach for the midfielder, but Derek McInnes has admitted he can understand why the Belgian may have been tempted by the opportunity to move to Turkey.

The Istanbul club explored a deal for the 25-year-old during the closing stages of the transfer window, but their proposal did not match the figure Rangers were seeking. The Glasgow club were looking for around £20 million for Raskin and ultimately rejected Besiktas’ attempt to take the player on loan as part of a potential try-before-they-buy arrangement.

Nicolas Raskin of Rangers

Although the transfer did not happen, McInnes believes the financial package Besiktas could have offered Raskin would have been extremely attractive. The Rangers manager acknowledged that Turkish clubs can offer players substantial net salaries, with tax-free earnings potentially far exceeding what many players receive in Scotland.

Raskin is already among the better-paid members of the Rangers squad, but McInnes understands that the financial offer placed in front of him by Besiktas could have been difficult for both player and club to ignore.

Despite that temptation, McInnes also believes there are things in football that cannot simply be measured by money. For the Rangers boss, representing the Light Blues remains something that should carry enormous value, and he wants his players to appreciate the opportunities and experiences that come with wearing the famous Rangers shirt.

Raskin chooses to remain at Rangers for now

For the moment, McInnes appears satisfied that Raskin has made the decision to stay at Ibrox.

The midfielder has been involved in discussions with his manager during the recent period and, according to McInnes, has made it clear that his immediate priority is concentrating on his football and making the best possible situation out of remaining with Rangers.

The manager explained that Raskin understands the expectations that come with playing for the club. Winning matches is essential at Rangers, and McInnes wants the midfielder focused on helping the team achieve those results rather than becoming distracted by transfer speculation.

However, the possibility of Raskin leaving has not completely disappeared. January could bring another opportunity, particularly if interest from clubs elsewhere returns.

McInnes hopes that if Raskin eventually does depart, his performances for Rangers will have earned him that opportunity rather than him constantly looking for a way out.

McInnes wants players committed to Rangers

The Rangers manager was keen to make an important point about his expectations for the squad.

McInnes does not want supporters or players to automatically assume that everyone will be looking for a move during the next transfer window. Instead, he wants to build an environment where footballers are happy to remain at Ibrox and are motivated to achieve success with the club.

He accepts that money can be a major factor in a player’s decision, particularly when enormous net salaries are available in places such as Turkey. Such offers can be extremely difficult for players and clubs to reject.

Nevertheless, McInnes wants Rangers players to genuinely want to stay for as long as possible.

He does not want footballers constantly thinking about their next destination or waiting for another opportunity to appear. His preference is for players who are committed to the club, willing to spend time at Ibrox and determined to become successful in Rangers colours.

Raskin earns manager’s praise

McInnes has been particularly impressed with Raskin since taking charge.

The manager described the midfielder’s contribution as first-class and believes his experience can become increasingly valuable as Rangers face more challenges during the season.

McInnes also feels that Raskin can help improve those around him because of the additional responsibility he carries within the midfield. However, the manager stressed that Rangers must not become overly reliant on one individual.

Kevin Kelsy signs for Rangers

For McInnes, the collective strength of the squad is more important than the influence of any single player. His previous teams have always depended on everyone working together, and he wants that same mentality at Rangers.

His message to the squad is straightforward: every player must remain fully committed between now and the end of the season, with their performances ultimately determining where the team finishes.

Raskin absence linked to European disappointment

Raskin’s transfer situation also had a direct impact on Rangers’ European campaign.

Some supporters have argued that had the midfielder been available for the trip to the Czech Republic, Rangers might have had enough to progress into the Conference League group stage.

Instead, Raskin was left out as Rangers chiefs considered it too risky to use a player who could potentially leave for a significant transfer fee.

Rangers subsequently suffered a painful penalty-shootout defeat against Jablonec, ending their European hopes.

McInnes was quick to clarify that the decision not to select Raskin was not his own.

He explained that it was a club decision made primarily to protect the value of the investment. There had been considerable discussion surrounding the situation, while the injury suffered by Youssef Chermiti shortly after Rangers rejected a club-record offer from Galatasaray for the striker also encouraged the club to act cautiously.

McInnes understands that football is a business, but admitted that, as a manager, his natural instinct is simply to select the strongest team available.

New signings arrive too late

Rangers strengthened their squad with the late additions of Minsu Kim, Kevin Kelsy and Badredine Bouanani, but none arrived early enough to prevent the disappointing European exit.

Attention must now turn towards improving the club’s domestic form.

Rangers have made a difficult start to the campaign and already trail league leaders Celtic by five points after only four matches. McInnes, however, knows there is still significant time remaining to repair that position.

The manager is hoping the new arrivals can provide greater attacking quality and help Rangers discover the confidence and energy that have been missing during the opening stages.

Kelsy offers another attacking option

McInnes believes Kevin Kelsy can provide an important boost in the number-nine position.

The Rangers boss has not ruled out using a traditional two-striker system at certain stages, although his preferred approach has generally involved a 4-2-3-1 formation.

That system is designed to provide Lawrence Shankland with greater support through pace, creativity, ball carriers and attacking runners operating around and beyond him.

McInnes pointed to Rangers’ recent goal against Falkirk as an example of what he wants to see. Djeidi Gassama carried the ball inside before combining with a teammate, while several Rangers players moved centrally and forced the opposition backwards. That movement created space for Shankland, who was able to finish the opportunity.

The manager believes there were other promising moments in the match, although Rangers were disappointed not to convert some additional chances.

Competition for wide positions

McInnes has made it clear that he wants his wide players to show confidence and personality.

He does not want attackers who are afraid of making mistakes, constantly passing backwards or simply trying to avoid responsibility. Instead, he wants players who demand the ball, attack opponents and believe they can make a difference.

At the same time, those players must understand their responsibilities within the team structure.

Findlay Curtis, Daisuke Yokota, Minsu Kim, Djeidi Gassama and new arrival Badredine Bouanani all have opportunities to establish themselves.

With competition for places now increasing, McInnes expects each player to fight for selection.

Ultimately, the Rangers boss wants a squad built around commitment, competition and collective responsibility. For Raskin, the immediate focus remains on performing at Ibrox, while January could determine whether the midfielder’s future takes another turn.