Kris Boyd has delivered a verdict on Nico Raskin’s future and Rangers being compelled to cash in on him.
The Belgium international was one of the few bright sparks in what was a disappointing campaign for the Ibrox outfit.
They sacked Philippe Clement and his replacement, Barry Ferguson, also failed to take them to the next level.
Boyd claims Raskin’s wages may become an issue at Ibrox
Boyd has criticised the manner in which Rangers have dealt with the exits of their first-team players in the past.
The likes of Ryan Kent and Alfredo Morelos, both being important first-team players, parted ways on free transfers.
Despite Raskin’s contract running out in 2027, Boyd believes that Gers will be desperate to tie him down to a new deal.
However, he also notes that the Ibrox outfit will not want to lose him on a free as he’s immensely talented.
Stats in all competitions (2024/25)Nicolas Radium appearances 48 Goals 5 Assists 11
Raskin this season has been stellar.
This season, he took his game to the next level and made his international debut for Belgium.
Boyd, a Sky Sports pundit, said: “There have been times when you felt Rangers should’ve moved players. Ryan Kent or Alfredo Morelos, these guys should’ve moved on when they were flying. Rangers decided to keep them, and they left on a free contract.
“It’s a difficult one for Rangers, Nicolas Raskin is tied down until 2027 and you think it’s a long time but it’s around the corner in football terms.
“Rangers won’t want to lose him on a free and I’m sure they’ll be trying everything to get him tied down to a longer contract to give him that platform to continue his development.
“But at the same time, he may be in the bracket of wages which Rangers can’t afford and have to move him on in the summer or January because they won’t want the contract to run down.”
Rangers must keep Raskin on for at least another season
Rangers have new owners taking over imminently and a new manager joining, so there will be plenty of upheaval.
The last thing the new owners and manager would want is for their most important player to be sold.
There are already doubts about Vaclav Cerny returning as his loan spell has finished and he’s returned to VFL Wolfsburg.
Raskin has proven under both Clement and Ferguson that he’s a cut above the rest and no matter how his teammates are faring, he manages to put in 8/10 displays consistently.
It’s no surprise that clubs from the Premier League are also vying for his services as he’s shown he’s got the ability to perform at the top level.
Gers could get into a gentleman’s agreement with Raskin that they’ll sell him next summer and offer him a pay hike and an extended contract in order to drive up his price.
‘I’m sure’ – Sky Sports pundit: Rangers may have to sell star due to high wages
