Nicolas Raskin: I was mentally ready to leave Rangers in summer

Nicolas Raskin has revealed his disappointment at not moving away from Rangers during the summer transfer window.

The midfielder, 25, was widely expected to be sold after shining at the World Cup with Belgium and was left out of Derek McInnes’ squad on more than one occasion during August amid speculation about his future.

But despite late interest from Besiktas, Raskin remained at Ibrox and has been a key player in Gers’ upturn in form in recent weeks.

Reflecting on a “complicated” summer with Belgian journalists while on international duty, Raskin was quoted as saying: “It is a bit of a disappointment, because I was mentally ready to leave.

“But that is football and it is not a big deal. There are many parameters and off-field matters you have to take into account during a transfer.

“Ultimately, I am not in a position where I necessarily have to leave. Rangers is a good club, I am playing my matches, we have a great squad this year and are doing great things. If you ask me if I wanted to take a step forward and keep moving forward, I say yes.”

Raskin found uncertainty about his future difficult to deal with, particularly when things ratcheted up as he was preparing to face Falkirk just before the window closed.

“A transfer window like that isn’t easy for anyone,” he said. “Not for the players, but not for their families either. There is a lot of uncertainty. You’re basically just waiting for your phone to ring.

“On the morning of September 2nd, they called me to say that there was an offer (believed to be from Besiktas) and even almost an agreement. But I had a match that evening. On the bus to the stadium, I still didn’t know if I would stay at Rangers. An hour later, I was on the pitch. There wasn’t much time to think.”

Raskin is unsure why he was not able to get the move he was anticipating, but he is intent on continuing to prosper with Rangers in order to potentially open doors for himself further down the line.

He added: “From now on, the focus is back on myself and on performing as well as possible, so that the next transfer window goes better. I am not someone who gives up easily anyway. Life goes on. There are worse things.”

One man who has secured a move away from Rangers is Clinton Nsiala, who has completed a permanent transfer to UAE Pro League side Sharjah FC for an undisclosed fee, reportedly £300,000.

The French defender, 22, made 17 appearances for Gers after joining from AC Milan in the summer of 2024.