Ibrox Noise understands the Rangers asking price for Nico Raskin has considerably increased as a result of his stunning Belgium display against USA in the World Cup. Rangers’ star midfielder, who is well known to want a switch, shone for the Red Devils in the USA as the hosts crumbled under the weight of the ‘visiting’ side. Indeed, his evening started well enough as it was, with an early assist for Charles De Ketelaere. This shone like a beacon and led the way to Raskin having his finest match as a football player. All it has done for Rangers, of course, is increase the value.
Rangers raise asking price
Rangers bosses were already seeking in the region of around £25M. But events in the USA have led that price to massively increase. Rangers would be looking well beyond the Scottish transfer record secured for Kieran Tierney at Parkhead of around £25M to Arsenal. Rangers would be seeking in the region of the nonsensical figure that Barry Fry once suggested about Emmanuel Fernandez. Peterborough’s boss once quoted Fernandez as being a £40M player. This was, of course, with ulterior motives in place on the Peterborough supremo’s part.
World Cup impact
However, in Raskin’s case, these kind of numbers are exactly what Rangers would expect for a top performing Belgium international. He played a significant role in getting his side to the quarter finals of the World Cup. Admittedly, the designated hosts, USA, had a lot on their minds. The Balogun scandal was clearly weighing heavily on their performers. The home side was flat, uninspired and its defence was shambolic. Belgium had a party and saw an opponent ripe for the plucking.
Rangers stand to cash in
But this does not take away from the fact that Raskin shone like a beacon on the world stage. It is the biggest showcase of all. His value has now hugely gone up. It would be foolish to put an actual number on the expected fee. However, Rangers will want more than £25M now, given that he is now significantly in demand.
Interest continues to grow
As we already know, the sides who definitely want him are Hull City and Atalanta. One other Serie A side that some claim is Bologna are also interested. However, with his performance against the US, he is now coming into the picture for many sides. He might just get the dream move to the big league and the big club that he truly wants. Rangers are in line for a huge payday. Without any question, they will not let him go for anything less than smashing the Scottish transfer record. We could be looking at well over £30M here, because there is a going rate for players of this calibre. Rangers are going to take advantage of it entirely.