Rangers hold “initial talks” to sign Raskin clone

Glasgow Rangers are building a new-look side for Derek McInnes in double-quick time, but will Nicolas Raskin still be at the heart of it next season?

By all accounts, the answer to that question is no, with Hull City among those leading the chase for his signature, following a three-and-a-half-year stint at Ibrox.

There are still two years left to run on the 25-year-old’s contract, yet now seems the ideal time to cash in, not least with the Belgian enhancing his status even more following his latest standout display at the World Cup.

A polarising figure at times, both among managers and supporters, Raskin at his best could raise the levels in Glasgow. Now, the focus will be on just how best to replace him.

Rangers already working on next midfield signing after Dan Neil

July has only just begun, yet there are already five new faces in the door, with the Gers most recently announcing the capture of free agent, Dan Neil, following the expiry of his Sunderland contract.

The 24-year-old had been a target for McInnes’ predecessor, Danny Rohl, in January, although it looked as if he was Southampton-bound this summer, following a brief spell on loan at Ipswich Town.

Even after holding talks with the Saints, however, it was Rangers who pounced to get a deal over the line, with the Englishman potentially set to form part of a new-look midfield at Ibrox.

Indeed, as per journalist Chris Jack – speaking on the Rangers Review YouTube channel – there have been enquiries made regarding a deal for Scotland’s Lewis Ferguson.

Jack was keen to stress that there is no sense that this deal will definitely happen as yet, with it likely to be a case of watching and waiting over the coming days and weeks.

Why Rangers could be lining up another Raskin in the making

Raskin was heavily involved as Belgium pulled off a remarkable comeback against Senegal in their round of 32 tie, the in-demand Rangers man replacing Kevin De Bruyne late on, prior to helping swing the game in the Red Devils’ favour.

He has almost emerged as the surprise package of Belgium’s World Cup run, considering the stellar list of names around him, with there an argument to say the same was also true of Ferguson under Steve Clarke.

The 26-year-old was only really thrust into the starting lineup as a result of Billy Gilmour’s pre-tournament injury, yet went on to prove the shining light in a difficult group stage for Scotland.

The Hamilton-born playmaker started all three group games, boasting a stellar 93% pass accuracy rate across those outings, a fine return considering the nature of the opposition.

Such performances will only have made McInnes and co more eager to bring him back to Glasgow, with it having been suggested that the new Gers boss is desperate for a reunion, after working with Ferguson previously at Aberdeen.

As he showed with the Dons, Ferguson can mirror Raskin as an influential, attacking presence in midfield, comfortable operating as a number ten, a number eight or as a deep-lying playmaker.

In his final two years at Pittodrie, for instance, his goalscoring instincts really came to the fore, netting 20 league goals across 2020/21 and 2021/22, before his move to Italy.

In Raskin’s case, he also flourished in what could be his final year at Ibrox, scoring and assisting 13 Premiership goals in 2025/26, after racking up 14 the year prior.

Both men are also neat and tidy in possession, not players to squander the ball too readily, with Raskin enjoying an 86% pass accuracy rate last term, just below Ferguson’s 88% average in Serie A.

The pair are also leaders for their respective sides, with Ferguson named captain at Bologna, while Raskin notably took on the armband in the absence of James Tavernier for a spell in 2024/25.

At 25 and 26, respectively, both Raskin and Ferguson are gearing up for what could be a key moment in their careers, ready to make that next big move after showcasing their talents on the world stage.

In the Belgian’s case, that would mean leaving Glasgow behind, although for Ferguson, a return to where it all began as a teenager could represent a dream scenario for all concerned.