Besiktas’ last‑minute bid leaves Nicolas Raskin stuck in Glasgow

Rangers midfielder Nicolas Raskin, 25, remained in Glasgow after a last‑minute approach from Turkish side Besiktas collapsed on 2 September, leaving the Belgian Red Devil without a move despite interest from several G5 clubs. The failed deal, which Raskin described as ‘something beyond my will and the club’s’, underscores the chaotic nature of the 2026 summer transfer window.

Besiktas interest and other suitors

Besiktas made a last‑minute approach while Raskin travelled to the stadium, but the Turkish side was not the only club watching the 25‑year‑old. Real Betis and Villarreal had already signalled interest, and the Belgian Red Devil – the Rode Duivel – found his name on several scouting lists. Niels Poissonnier, Chef Voetbal, noted on 23 September 2026 that the market was buzzing with offers across Europe. He listed Matías Fernández-Pardo’s €60 million move from Lille to Newcastle United, Diego Moreira’s at‑least €50 million switch from Strasbourg to AC Milan and Mika Godts’s €55 million transfer from Ajax to PSG as examples of the spending spree.

Raskin recalled that on the morning of 2 September he received a phone call confirming a bid that was “almost an agreement”. That evening he featured for Rangers against Falkirk, his mobile ringing even while he dined with teammates. He added that the World Cup quarter‑final against Spain had raised his profile, yet the timing of the offer clashed with his match commitments.

Deal collapses amid timing issues

In the end the transfer fell through, with Raskin saying “Het lag níet aan mijn profiel of aan mijn kwaliteiten” and that “it was something beyond my will and the club’s”. He explained that the timing was not right and that “Met” the club’s own plans the deal could not be finalised. The aborted move left him back in Glasgow, still wearing the Rangers FC badge.

Raskin described the summer as “ingewikkeld”, noting that “Zo’n transferperiode is voor niemand eenvoudig” and that families also feel the strain. He quoted the French phrase “Ce n’est pas cool” to underline the uncertainty of waiting for a phone to ring. Despite the disappointment, he affirmed he still wanted to step up to a higher level.

He insisted the lack of a move was not down to his profile, pointing to the flood of high‑profile deals such as Youri Tielemans’s €41 million switch to Manchester United, Malick Fofana’s €30 million move to Sunderland and Leandro Trossard’s €18 million transfer to Besiktas. Other headline signings included Romelu Lukaku’s €8 million switch to Fenerbahçe, Arne Engels’s €26 million swap from Celtic to West Ham and the earlier €55 million exchange of Mika Godts from Ajax to PSG. These examples, he argued, show that market forces, not personal ability, often dictate outcomes.

Looking ahead under van Bommel

Raskin now turns his focus to performing for Rangers, hoping to impress new Belgium coach Mark van Bommel, whose “offensive, high‑press, counter‑pressing” philosophy he says matches his own style. He recalled being discovered by former national team manager Rudi Garcia and believes the new regime will give him a platform. Looking forward, he expects the next mercato to be smoother and even mentions Italy as a future test, while noting that Kevin De Bruyne’s leadership continues to inspire the Belgian squad.