Qudus SalihuAs the Ibrox faithful reel from the “unforgivable” rumors surrounding Nicolas Raskin’s potential exit, manager Danny Rohl has reportedly wasted no time in identifying a successor. In what is being described as the potential “transfer of the window,” Rohl has set his sights on Sunderland captain Dan Neil as the man to anchor the Rangers midfield for years to come.
While the loss of a talent like Raskin would ordinarily leave a cavernous hole in the squad, the pursuit of Neil represents a significant statement of intent from the Rangers hierarchy. Valued at over £15 million, the 24-year-old Englishman is viewed by Rohl as a “like-for-like” replacement for the outgoing Belgian, but with a physical edge and leadership pedigree that could prove decisive in the Scottish Premiership title race. Insiders suggest that Rohl has specifically requested a “statement signing” to appease a frustrated fan base, and Neil—a player long admired for his technical range and tactical discipline—fits the bill perfectly.
Beyond Neil, Rohl’s contingency planning has been meticulous. The club has already secured Danish talent Tochi Chukwuani from Sturm Graz, providing immediate cover, but the pursuit of Neil is the move intended to electrify the support. Reports also link the Light Blues with Norwegian “unicorn” Jens Hjerto-Dahl from Tromso, a 20-year-old powerhouse seen as a long-term project with immense sell-on potential.
The strategy is clear: if Raskin is to leave under a cloud of controversy, he will be replaced by a player of equal, if not superior, stature. By targeting a Premier League-level talent like Neil, Rohl is sending a defiant message to the rest of the league. The transition from Raskin to Neil would not just be a substitution of personnel, but a massive upgrade in the club’s quest for silverware. If Rangers can pull off this sensational coup before the February 2 deadline, the “unforgivable” loss of Raskin might quickly be forgotten in favor of a new era of midfield dominance at Ibrox.
Qudus Salihu
Rabiu Aminu