Derek McInnes discusses Nico Raskin’s potential transfer amid speculation.

Derek McInnes Addresses Nico Raskin Transfer Uncertainty at Rangers

Nico Raskin has been linked with a transfer exit this summer (Image: Shutterstock)

Derek McInnes has openly acknowledged that Rangers knew there was a potential “flight risk” surrounding Nico Raskin during the summer transfer window, as speculation continues over the Belgian midfielder’s future at Ibrox.

The Rangers manager has addressed the uncertainty surrounding the 24-year-old after further reports linked him with a possible departure from Glasgow. Raskin returned to competitive action following the World Cup when he featured in Rangers’ Europa League first-leg defeat against Jagiellonia Bialystok on Thursday night.

While McInnes would clearly prefer to keep the midfielder, he accepts that Raskin could leave if another club meets Rangers’ valuation and the proposed move is attractive enough to the player. Until that happens, however, the manager intends to continue working with him and make full use of his qualities.

McInnes has previously admired Raskin from a distance and is now relishing the opportunity to manage a player he had wanted to work with for some time.

McInnes Has Always Admired Raskin

McInnes made it clear that his appreciation of Raskin did not begin after his appointment at Rangers.

The manager explained that there are certain players he naturally feels drawn towards because of their standards and mentality, and Raskin falls firmly into that category.

According to McInnes, the Belgian possesses the level of professionalism and performance required to succeed at Rangers. His attitude, commitment and desire to achieve positive results have also impressed the new boss.

That has made the transfer uncertainty particularly interesting, because McInnes clearly sees Raskin as someone who can play an important role in his plans.

The midfielder has also impressed during training since returning to the Rangers setup, giving McInnes further encouragement about what he can offer during the new campaign.

Rangers Boss Praises His Standards

McInnes believes Raskin already demonstrates many of the qualities expected from a Rangers player.

The midfielder’s consistency and standards are particularly important to the manager, who suggested that his performances in training have shown exactly why he is highly regarded.

McInnes indicated that if Raskin can reproduce his training performances consistently during competitive matches, he will provide Rangers with a valuable option in midfield.

The Belgian has also shown that he remains committed to the club despite the uncertainty over his future.

McInnes believes Raskin cares about Rangers, wants positive results and understands the expectations that come with playing for one of Scotland’s biggest clubs.

Those qualities mean the manager is not prepared to disregard him simply because there is a possibility he could leave before the transfer window closes.

Raskin Was Needed Against Jagiellonia

Raskin was brought into the action earlier than McInnes may originally have intended during Rangers’ Europa League clash with Jagiellonia Bialystok.

The manager explained that he felt the midfielder’s experience and understanding of the game were required on the pitch.

Raskin’s ability to read situations and provide additional control in midfield made him a useful option, particularly in a difficult European fixture.

His involvement demonstrated that McInnes is willing to rely on him despite the uncertainty surrounding his future.

Rather than keeping the midfielder on the sidelines because of transfer speculation, Rangers are prepared to use him whenever his qualities can help the team.

That approach could continue as long as he remains an Ibrox player.

Rangers Knew There Was a Risk

McInnes was also candid about the circumstances surrounding Raskin when he arrived at the club.

The manager admitted that Rangers entered the situation fully aware there was a possibility the midfielder could eventually leave.

He described Raskin as a “flight risk”, suggesting that the club understood from the beginning that another opportunity could emerge for the Belgian during the summer.

McInnes said he approached the situation with his eyes open and was aware that Raskin might eventually decide that it was time to pursue a different challenge.

That means the current uncertainty has not come as a surprise to the Rangers boss.

Instead, it appears to have been factored into the club’s planning from the outset.

Rangers Will Not Stand in His Way

Although McInnes clearly wants Raskin to remain at Ibrox, he accepts that Rangers cannot completely control the situation.

If another club meets the valuation set by Rangers and the transfer is something Raskin personally wants, the Belgian could be allowed to leave.

That stance appears to give the player a degree of control over his future while also protecting Rangers’ financial interests.

The club will not simply accept any offer for an important midfielder, but if its valuation is satisfied and Raskin wants the move, McInnes recognises that a departure could become inevitable.

Until such an offer arrives, however, there is no reason for Rangers to stop using one of their most talented midfielders.

McInnes Enjoying Working With Raskin

Despite the uncertainty, McInnes appears determined to make the most of the situation.

The Rangers boss explained that while Raskin remains at the club, he intends to enjoy working with him and make full use of the midfielder’s ability.

He also believes the feeling is mutual, suggesting that Raskin is enjoying his football and remains invested in his work at Rangers.

That is potentially encouraging for supporters who would like to see the Belgian remain in Glasgow.

Raskin’s apparent commitment means that, for now, there is no indication that transfer speculation has affected his professionalism or attitude.

Future Remains Uncertain

The situation ultimately remains dependent on several factors.

Rangers must receive an offer that matches their valuation, while Raskin must also consider whether the proposed destination is right for him.

Until both conditions are satisfied, McInnes has made it clear that Raskin remains part of his plans.

The manager’s comments therefore offer Rangers supporters a mixture of reassurance and concern. He clearly values the midfielder and wants him to stay, but he is also realistic enough to accept that a suitable offer could change everything.

For now, McInnes will continue to work with Raskin, hoping that the Belgian remains at Ibrox beyond the transfer window and becomes an important part of Rangers’ plans under their new manager.