Besiktas has renewed its pursuit of Rangers midfielder Nicolas Raskin, setting the stage for a potential transfer attempt during the upcoming January window after an initial summer bid fell through. The Turkish club maintains its interest in the 25-year-old Belgian international, who remains under contract at Ibrox until the summer of 2028 with an estimated market valuation of €17 million.
Winter Window Target for Besiktas
According to reports from Turkish media outlet Fotomaç, Raskin sits near the top of the shopping list for Besiktas ahead of the winter market. The Istanbul club kept the file open following late August negotiations that ultimately stalled before an agreement could be reached. Besiktas officials intend to resume discussions with both the player’s representatives and Glasgow Rangers.
The Turkish club’s desire to reinforce its midfield stems partly from roster uncertainty. Reports indicate satisfaction levels regarding former KRC Genk player Wilfred Ndidi are not entirely absolute, opening the possibility for the Nigerian midfielder’s departure if a compelling offer arrives in January. Manager Vincenzo Italiano also seeks greater tactical depth in the defensive midfield role, where Salih Özcan currently carries a heavy workload.
Summer Frustrations and Transfer Realities
Reflecting on the turbulent close to the summer transfer window in an interview with regional outlet L’Avenir, Raskin described a hectic final day of negotiations while preparing with his club ahead of a fixture against Falkirk. Phone calls from representatives arrived during team meals and bus journeys as talks with Besiktas developed rapidly before breaking down.
“The transfer period wasn’t easy. It’s not so simple to pull off a transfer, and for several reasons it didn’t happen,” Raskin told L’Avenir. “It wasn’t a question of club or destination, it was elements independent of my will or the club’s.”
Despite the disruption, Raskin insisted he did not panic during the closing hours of the window. Emphasizing that he plays for a strong club in Glasgow, the midfielder noted that he was not under immediate distress to leave, though he acknowledged an ultimate ambition to progress his career when the right opportunity aligns.
Current Form and International Standing
Raskin has featured in nine matches across all competitions for Rangers this season while maintaining an active role with the Belgium national team. During recent international fixtures, he earned a start against Italy, logging 74 minutes in a 0–2 victory, and subsequently appeared as a substitute against France.
Whether Besiktas will meet the financial expectations of Rangers remains the central question for January. Valuation estimates stand at €17 million, and any prospective deal will depend heavily on the transfer fee Glasgow demands and the investment capacity of the Turkish side.
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