Rangers open talks with €9m star Russell Martin wants to build his team around

Robin Bairner
Robin Bairner
  • 21 Jun 2025 13:30 BST
  • 3 min read
Russell Martin, Rangers, 2025/26
© IMAGO

Rangers are ready to take a vital step for Russell Martin’s summer transfer plans by opening contract talks with a player valued at €9 million.

Article continues under the video

Nico Raskin was a shining light in what was a disappointing 2024/25 campaign for Rangers and now the Scottish Sun reports that the Glasgow giants are ready to do everything in their power to keep the Belgium international star at Ibrox.

New manager Martin values the 24-year-old highly and sees the former Standard Liege man as the figure he “wants to build his team around”.

Current ETV
Player image Nicolas Raskin
Nicolas Raskin

DM, M (C)

Rangers logo

Rangers

Nicolas Raskin
Nicolas Raskin

DM, M (C)

Rangers

Rangers

€8.8M

ETV Range

€7.5M - €10.1M

Raskin’s current deal expires in 2027, and in a bid to fend off mounting transfer interest, Rangers’ new owners want to secure the long-term future of the midfield star.

While The Scottish Sun indicates that the Ibrox side are only preparing for talks with the player, team-mate Dujon Sterling has hinted that there is an offer on the table. Replying to an Instagram comment from Raskin, he demanded: “Sign the contract!”

Raskin has an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €8.8m, making him Rangers’ second most-valuable player behind midfield colleague Mohammed Diomande (€9.3m).

Nico Raskin told to sign new Rangers deal by Dujon Sterling
© IMAGO - Nico Raskin told to sign new Rangers deal by Dujon Sterling

Rangers closing in on three new signings

Elsewhere, Rangers are making positive progress in the transfer market, with a deal for Bournemouth’s Max Aarons all but completed and a move for Kwame Poku in the pipeline.

Sky Sports reports: “Rangers have agreed a deal with Bournemouth for 25-year-old defender Max Aarons.

“The deal is a straight loan with no obligation for a permanent move.”

Rangers are also thought to be interested in Osijek centre-back Luka Jelenic, with Croatian outlet 24Sata reporting that he is destined to leave his current employers. Vitoria Guimaraes are also linked with the 25-year-old.

No transfer fee has been given in this case, but it's believed that the club want “serious money” for a player they signed for just €800,000 a year ago.

Rangers do have one major advantage in this case, with Osijek needing to sell before going into the transfer market themselves.

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