Chris Jack reports that Nico Raskin and another significant player are now ‘expected’ to exit Rangers.

Rangers are preparing for what could be one of their most significant transfer windows in recent years after another disappointing campaign ended without the Scottish Premiership title. With major changes expected at Ibrox ahead of the 2026-27 season, influential midfielder Nicolas Raskin is reportedly among the high-profile names who could leave the club as part of a wider squad overhaul.

Following a campaign that promised so much but ultimately delivered frustration, Rangers now face important decisions regarding both incoming and outgoing players. While the club has already begun strengthening the squad with new additions, several established figures could be heading for the exit door as manager Danny Rohl looks to reshape his team and build a side capable of ending Celtic’s domestic dominance.

Title Challenge Collapses After Promising Run

For a period during the second half of the season, Rangers appeared to be genuine contenders for the Scottish Premiership crown.

Rohl’s side gathered impressive momentum heading into the league split and produced a series of eye-catching attacking displays. During a three-match stretch, Rangers scored 14 goals and looked like a team capable of sustaining a serious title challenge.

Supporters began to believe that the club could mount a late charge for the championship, with performances improving significantly compared to earlier struggles in the campaign.

However, those hopes quickly faded.

What initially looked like a strong platform for success soon turned into disappointment as Rangers experienced a dramatic drop in form during the most important stage of the season.

The momentum that had driven their title ambitions disappeared almost overnight, leaving the club unable to maintain pressure on their rivals.

Disastrous Finish Ends Championship Dreams

The final weeks of the campaign proved particularly damaging for Rangers.

A sequence of four consecutive defeats effectively destroyed any remaining hopes of lifting the Premiership trophy. Losses against Motherwell, Hearts, Celtic and Hibernian left the Ibrox side with no realistic route back into the title race.

Instead of competing for first place, Rangers eventually slipped down to third position in the table.

The collapse represented one of the most disappointing periods of the season and raised serious questions about the squad’s ability to perform under pressure when the stakes were highest.

Although Rangers managed to end the campaign on a positive note with a victory over Falkirk on the final day, the damage had already been done.

The season concluded without silverware, extending a frustrating run for the club and increasing the urgency for change ahead of the new campaign.

Difficult Start Continues to Haunt Rangers

While much attention has focused on Rangers’ late-season collapse, many observers believe the foundations for disappointment were laid much earlier.

The club endured a difficult opening period under Russell Martin, and those struggles ultimately left Rangers with too much ground to make up.

Inconsistency and poor performances during the early stages of the season placed the team at a disadvantage, forcing them to spend much of the campaign chasing rather than leading.

Although Rohl’s arrival helped improve results and reignite hopes of success, the damage caused by the sluggish start proved difficult to overcome.

By the time Rangers found their rhythm, there was little margin for error.

When the team’s form deteriorated after the split, the consequences were severe.

Statistics highlight the contrast between Rangers’ performances before and after the split. The side scored 17 goals in their final five matches before the division split but managed only 10 in the five matches that followed. Defensive issues also became increasingly apparent, contributing to the team’s downfall.

Ultimately, the campaign served as a reminder that consistency across an entire season remains essential if Rangers are to challenge successfully for major honours.

Squad Changes Already Underway

Recognising the need for improvement, Rangers have already started planning for the future.

One of the first significant moves of the summer has been the arrival of Lawrence Shankland, whose proven goal-scoring record is expected to strengthen the attacking department.

The Scotland international is viewed as a player capable of providing the consistent goals that Rangers have sometimes lacked during key moments.

However, while new faces are arriving, several current squad members may be preparing to move on.

As part of an assessment of Rangers’ midfield options, Rangers Review journalist Chris Jack suggested that notable departures are likely over the coming months.

His analysis painted a picture of a midfield department that could look significantly different by the start of next season.

Jose Cifuentes Expected to Move On

One player who appears unlikely to have a future at Ibrox is Jose Cifuentes.

After spending time away from the club on loan, the Ecuadorian midfielder is reportedly considered surplus to requirements and is expected to leave permanently.

Cifuentes arrived with considerable expectations but has struggled to establish himself as a key figure within the squad.

As Rangers continue their rebuilding process, moving him on would help create room for new arrivals while reducing the wage bill.

His departure may only be one part of a much larger transformation in midfield.

Raskin and Diomande Attracting Interest

According to Jack, two of Rangers’ most important midfield players are also attracting significant attention.

Both Nicolas Raskin and Mohamed Diomande are believed to be generating interest from elsewhere and could be among the club’s biggest departures this summer.

The possibility of losing either player would represent a major blow given their importance to the team over the past season.

Losing both would create a substantial challenge for Rohl and the recruitment department.

Nevertheless, strong interest in the pair reflects the quality they have displayed at Ibrox and the progress they have made in recent years.

Their performances have not gone unnoticed, and Rangers may soon face difficult decisions regarding their futures.

Raskin’s Rise Continues

Raskin has established himself as one of the standout performers in the Rangers squad.

The Belgian midfielder enjoyed another excellent season and has become one of the first names on the team sheet whenever available.

His influence was recently recognised when he earned selection for Belgium’s squad ahead of the upcoming World Cup, underlining the level he has reached.

For many supporters, Raskin was Rangers’ most consistent player throughout the campaign.

Since joining the club from Standard Liege in 2023, he has developed into a crucial figure in midfield, combining energy, technical quality and leadership.

At 25 years old, he is entering the prime years of his career, making him an attractive option for clubs searching for a dynamic central midfielder.

Should he leave this summer, Rangers would face the difficult task of replacing one of their most reliable performers.

Diomande Also Emerging as Key Asset

Mohamed Diomande’s development has been equally impressive.

The Ivory Coast international featured heavily throughout the season, making 46 appearances across all competitions and becoming an increasingly important part of the team.

His contributions extended beyond his work in midfield, as he registered six goal involvements during the campaign.

Diomande’s versatility, athleticism and ability to influence matches have made him a valuable asset for Rangers.

As interest grows in his services, there is a genuine possibility that he could follow Raskin through the exit door if suitable offers arrive.

If both midfielders depart, Rangers would lose a combined total of 22 contributions in goals and assists from the centre of the park.

Replacing that output would become a major priority.

While Shankland’s arrival provides guaranteed attacking quality, further additions would almost certainly be required to compensate for the potential loss of creativity and productivity elsewhere in the squad.

Why a Summer Rebuild May Be Necessary

Although losing talented players is never ideal, there is an argument that significant change may ultimately benefit Rangers.

The club has now endured two consecutive seasons without lifting a major trophy, a situation that falls well below expectations at Ibrox.

Despite possessing quality individuals throughout the squad, the group has struggled to consistently demonstrate a winning mentality when it matters most.

There is no shortage of talent within the current dressing room, but results suggest that talent alone has not been enough.

The reality is that many members of the squad have yet to experience sustained success at Rangers.

That fact cannot be ignored when evaluating the team’s recent shortcomings.

Danny Rohl Ready to Shape His Own Team

Since taking charge in October, Danny Rohl has shown signs that he can guide Rangers in the right direction.

The German coach succeeded in reigniting a title challenge that had appeared unlikely earlier in the season and restored belief among supporters.

Although the campaign ended in disappointment, there were enough positive signs to suggest that progress is being made.

Now comes the next phase of the project.

This summer offers Rohl an opportunity to leave his mark on the squad and build a group better suited to his vision and playing style.

That process may involve difficult decisions, including allowing high-profile players to depart.

Potential Departures Could Benefit the Long-Term Project

While supporters would naturally be disappointed to lose players of Raskin and Diomande’s quality, their exits could provide opportunities elsewhere.

Significant transfer fees could strengthen Rangers’ financial position and provide resources to reinvest throughout the squad.

More importantly, a major rebuild would allow Rohl to reshape the dressing room and establish a new culture focused on winning trophies.

The departures of established stars often create uncertainty, but they can also accelerate long-term progress when managed correctly.

For Rangers, this summer appears set to be one of transition.

Whether Raskin and Diomande remain or move on, substantial changes seem inevitable as the club attempts to close the gap at the top of Scottish football and return to competing for major honours.

After two trophyless seasons, a fresh start may be exactly what Rangers need.