Aston Villa eye World Cup midfielder Nicolas Raskin for January move

Rangers’ 25‑year‑old Belgian midfielder Nicolas Raskin is being touted as a prime target for Aston Villa, with reports suggesting a Premier League move could materialise in January after his World Cup performances.

Why Villa need a new midfield anchor

Aston Villa are rebuilding the core of their squad and see Raskin’s ball‑winning ability as a fit for their next‑step ambitions. The club’s interest aligns with the midfielder’s own desire for the next stage of his career, which he confirmed after the summer window.

Raskin’s rise and current situation

The Belgian joined Rangers in 2023 and has become a reliable presence in the Scottish side’s midfield. Despite a complicated summer that saw interest from Besiktas fail to produce a deal, he remained at Ibrox, impressing at the 2026 World Cup and cementing his role in the Belgian national set‑up.

Sources in Belgium view him as a key figure for the country’s future, with Mark van Bommel overseeing a post‑De Bruyne generation that could see Raskin captaining the side one day.

Transfer rumours and potential fee

TeamTalk reported that both Aston Villa and Hull City have approached Rangers. Hull allegedly made a verbal offer worth £12million, which Rangers dismissed. The consensus among close sources is that a Premier League destination remains most likely, with a January move deemed highly possible.

If a deal does not materialise in January, Belgian observers expect the next opportunity in the summer of 2027, when Raskin will enter the final year of his Rangers contract.

Rangers value the midfielder highly and face no immediate pressure to sell, but the expectation in Belgian circles is clear: bids will follow, and a move to one of Europe’s top‑five leagues is a matter of when, not if.