Qudus SalihuRangers manager Danny Rohl has dropped a bombshell ahead of this Sunday’s Scottish Premiership clash with Dundee, confirming that a key first-team mainstay will miss the match after agreeing to a sensational move away from Ibrox. The news has sent shockwaves through the Govan faithful, as the “incredible” star—widely reported to be Belgian midfielder Nicolas Raskin—is now set to finalize a high-profile transfer before the February 2 deadline.
While Rohl had recently praised Raskin’s upturn in form, the landscape shifted dramatically over the weekend. Despite earlier reports that the midfielder had rejected an approach from Besiktas, sources suggest a “dream” offer from a top-five European league has proved impossible to ignore. Rohl admitted in his pre-match briefing that the player is “not in the right frame of mind” to feature at Ibrox this weekend while legal and financial formalities are concluded.
The loss of such a technically gifted asset is a massive blow to Rohl’s tactical setup, which has relied heavily on Raskin’s energy during a six-game unbeaten run. However, the manager was quick to pivot, signaling that the club is already moving to secure a replacement. Sunderland’s Dan Neil has emerged as the primary target to fill the void, with Rangers reportedly ready to reinvest the substantial fee gained from Raskin’s exit into a marquee midfield signing.
With John Souttar and Andreas Skov Olsen also facing late fitness tests, the Rangers squad appears stretched just as the title race intensifies. For the fans, the departure of Raskin feels like a bitter pill, but Rohl’s decisiveness suggests a plan is in place. “We must protect the club’s interests,” Rohl told reporters. “If a player sees their future elsewhere, we must find someone who is 100% committed to our journey.” As Dundee arrives in Glasgow, all eyes will be on how a Raskin-less Rangers navigates a match they simply cannot afford to lose.
Mustapha Sheidu
Qudus Salihu
Rabiu Aminu
