NafisaMidfield Battle Brewing: Wolves and Villa Set for £25m Tug-of-War Over Rangers Star
Wolverhampton Wanderers are gearing up for a potential transfer showdown with Birmingham neighbors Aston Villa as both Premier League clubs pursue Rangers’ standout midfielder Nicolas Raskin in what could develop into a fierce bidding battle.
The 24-year-old Belgian international has emerged as a priority target for Wolves manager Vitor Pereira, who is actively seeking a replacement for the anticipated summer exit of Tommy Doyle. Raskin has positioned himself prominently on Wanderers’ recruitment wishlist as they search for a creative midfield anchor.
After a relatively quiet start to his Rangers career following his bargain £1.3 million move from Standard Liege in 2023, Raskin has flourished this season in the Scottish Premiership. The versatile midfielder, who operates effectively in both central and defensive midfield roles, has accumulated 93 appearances for the Glasgow giants and recently hit a rich vein of form, contributing seven goal involvements across his last five outings.
According to Daily Record reports, Wolves have been monitoring Raskin’s development for approximately 18 months, with the player’s representatives fully aware of the English club’s sustained interest. Despite recent administrative changes at Molineux – including the replacement of sporting director Matt Hobbs with Dominico Teti – Raskin remains a top priority, with the new regime endorsing the previous leadership’s assessment.
The transfer landscape becomes more complex with Aston Villa’s potential involvement. The Villans reportedly joined the race after their scouts were impressed by Raskin’s European displays against elite opposition including Manchester United, Tottenham, Nice, and Fenerbahce. While Villa manager Unai Emery is known to desire midfield reinforcements, other positions currently take precedence in their recruitment strategy.
However, Villa’s financial constraints due to Profit and Sustainability Rules may limit their immediate spending power until after the June 30 deadline. This could provide Wolves with a crucial window to secure Raskin’s signature before facing intensified competition from their regional rivals.
The reported £25 million valuation presents a significant return on investment for Rangers, though multiple clubs circling could drive the price higher. For Wolves, swift action may prove essential not only for pre-season integration but also to avoid a protracted auction that could see Villa or other suitors swoop in once their financial situations stabilize.
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