Nicolas Raskin has addressed his Rangers future and admits the lure of the English Premier League and Europe's 'big five' leagues is hard to ignore — but the Belgian insists regular football will remain the priority in any career decision.
The midfielder, who arrived at Ibrox from Standard Liege in January 2023, surprised many with his move to Scotland two-and-a-half years ago. It was a transfer that raised eyebrows outside of the country’s football bubble, but one that Raskin believes has paid off.
The Scottish Premiership may not command the same global spotlight as the Premier League does south of the border, yet history shows it can serve as the perfect platform for ambitious players looking to make their mark on a bigger stage.
Raskin is no exception, although he is determined to remain cautious and patient when assessing his next step.
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He has represented Rangers 42 times this season and even deputised as captain in James Tavernier's absence, showing another side to his game.
The 24-year-old will likely play a pivotal role in manager Barry Ferguson's midfield on Thursday night too alongside Mohamed Diomande as Rangers target a spot in the Europa League semi-finals by defeating Athletic Club away from home.
"I've been here for two and a half years. It went very well for me, especially this season," Raskin told RTBF. "We have to see what the club wants, what will happen on the table and try to do the best for everyone."
Raskin's form has not gone unnoticed, with the Premier League a well-trodden path for players emerging from Ibrox. But for Raskin, the challenge lies in finding the right fit — and not simply chasing a badge at the expense of game time.
He continued: "As a footballer, you always want to look forward and see what you could do better. If you want to give yourself the best chances to compete in an international competition, you must be able to compete in a big club.
"But the goal is not to go to a club where you will play less and where you lose this advantage you have to play every week. It will be a balance to find."
(Image: PA)
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