As far as Derek McInnes goes this summer, things are going really well so far. Rangers have welcomed a number of new recruits, including former Hearts captain Lawrence Shankland.
However, the good news may not last forever as Manchester United set their sights on Ibrox favorite Nicholas Raskin.
Football Fancast Verdict | |
|---|---|
reliability | Ruskin has looked destined for a move to Ibrox for some time now and if Man United’s interest is genuine, it seems impossible for him to refuse their advances. The big question is whether the Rangers will make a profit on the record price. They definitely don’t want to lose their star player to a price cut. |
finances | Ger’s current highest sale price is £19.6m, which was when Ajax signed Calvin Bassey, but previous reports suggest they are seeking around £25m for Raskin. |
scouting | If there were any doubts about Raskin’s ability to play at the top level, the World Cup put them to rest. He impressed at times after Belgium reached the last eight before losing against Spain. As a box-to-box midfielder, Rangers will be hard-pressed to find a player who can contribute as much in the future without sacrificing his defensive duties. |
impact | Losing Ruskin would be a big blow, but it could also provide further cash for McInnes, especially if Rangers receive a record fee in the process. |
In an ideal world, the Rangers would hold onto Raskin for years to come. But as Hearts proved this summer, the world is far from ideal and the transfer market is in an undeniably ruthless mood.
It’s easy to see why Manchester United are interested in the Belgian. Last season alone, he contributed 13 goals in the Scottish Premiership, a figure bettered only by Red Devils midfielder Bruno Fernandes.
Add in the fact that only three midfielders created more chances for Scotland last season than Ruskin, and Michael Carrick’s vision becomes clearer.
SPFL Opportunity Creation 25/26 | |
|---|---|
Will Ferry (Dundee United) | 79 |
Alexandros Kyzyridis (Heart) | 67 |
Declan John (St Mirren) | 46 |
Nicholas Ruskin (Rangers) | 45 |
Stuart Armstrong (Aberdeen) | 44 |
If there are any reports, this is certainly a move to keep an eye on. Man United are expected to test Rangers’ resolve this summer with a move to sign Ruskin, according to Votbar Krant, relayed by the Daily Record.
Both the Red Devils and Aston Villa have the Belgian on their ‘shortlist’ as they look to add depth to their midfield.
Meanwhile, Villa have already lost Youri Tielemans to United and Amadou Onana suffered a serious knee injury during the World Cup.
United have seen their deal with Brazilian Ederson fall through and are keen to bring in some new talent.
Rangers close to signing £4m deal
Rumors that Raskin could leave should at least give Rangers a boost to their fundraising this summer, with Rangers already set to spend big on Vanja Dragojevic.
According to reports, Gers are close to signing a £4m deal for the Partizan midfielder, who could replace Raskin if he decides to leave this summer.
The 20-year-old defensive midfielder looks destined to become McInnes’ seventh arrival in the transfer window as the new manager continues to build a squad capable of winning the Scottish Premiership next season.
