Rangers’ handling of Nico Raskin has come under fresh scrutiny after the Belgian midfielder endured a turbulent summer that left his place in Russell Martin’s plans uncertain.
The 23-year-old, once seen as a cornerstone of the Ibrox midfield, was unsettled by transfer approaches during the window. Martin has admitted the speculation may have affected Raskin’s focus, with the player losing his starting role and even dropping out of the squad for certain fixtures.
That, many fans argue, was Rangers’ biggest mistake – allowing uncertainty over Raskin’s future to derail both his confidence and his contribution at a time when stability was badly needed. His reduced role has been a sharp contrast to last season, when he was considered one of the team’s most reliable performers.
Now, however, a fresh plan is being drawn up. Raskin has returned to full training and is being challenged to earn back his place by proving his value in Martin’s high-energy system. The manager has praised his response when used from the bench but insists consistency and commitment in training will dictate his involvement going forward.
Off the pitch, Raskin has made no secret of his long-term ambition to play in the English Premier League, describing Rangers as an important “stage” in his career journey. His contract runs until 2027, giving the club some leverage, but his future remains a delicate balancing act between personal ambition and Rangers’ need for stability in midfield.
For now, the message from Ibrox is clear: if Raskin can rediscover his best form, he still has a role to play. But the events of this summer serve as a reminder that even key players can quickly find themselves on the fringes when uncertainty is allowed to linger.
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