Vitor Pereira has set his sights on bringing a new midfielder to Molineux as Wolves anticipate additional departures.
After Mario Lemina left Wolves during the 2025 winter transfer window, Pereira was left with limited resources in the engine room.
Fortunately, the Wolves manager could count on Andre and Joao Gomes to lead the way in the position, but depth is certainly needed before the 2025/26 campaign kicks off.
Tommy Doyle is generating transfer interest, and fellow central midfielder Boubacar Traore has an uncertain future, emphasising the need for Wolves to conduct a search for reinforcements.
One of the recent links has been Rangers midfielder Nicolas Raskin, who is wanted by Wolves as well as Midlands rivals, Aston Villa.
To get an insight into the Old Gold’s transfer target, Molineux Newsspoke to Scottish Premiership expert Callum Boyle, who has watched a lot of the Belgian in action.
Nico Raskin celebrates after scoring for Rangers.
Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images
Scottish Premiership expert Callum Boyle provides insight on Wolves target Nicolas Raskin
Former sporting director Matt Hobbs had Raskin on his radar for some time, and for good reason.
The 24-year-old Belgium international contributed to 16 goals in all competitions over the 2024/25 calendar for Rangers from central midfield.
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In light of Wolves’ reported interest, SPL expert Boyle was quizzed on the player Pereira could acquire this summer.
How would you sum Raskin up as a player?
Raskin is a tenacious midfielder who I feel operates best as a box-to-box. He’s great at breaking up play but also loves to drive forward with the ball.
His combative style but excellent technical ability complements his game perfectly.
Three of Raskin’s strengths
His first strength is his football IQ. Raskin reads the game really well and is positionally very strong.
Second is leadership. When James Tavernier wasn’t playing, Raskin was given the armband last season. He has the respect of his teammates, and they trust him.
His final strength is his ability to join in the attack. Whether that be running from deep into the box or stringing the attack together, he’s always there.
Three of Raskin’s weaknesses
In terms of developing, consistency is his first one. In the big games, Raskin always looked the part and seemed up for the occasion, but then there would be other times when he looked a yard off the pace.
This ties into his second weakness, which is fitness. The Belgian often picks up niggles and while they don’t keep him out for long, it’s frustrating that he is so stop-start.
His final weakness is the number of fouls he gives away. Only three players gave more fouls away than Raskin in the Scottish Premiership last season, and that can prove to be a problem.
His attacking qualities are impressive. Could you see him playing further forward?
I don’t think so. His numbers are impressive, but the reason why they are is because he is playing in the perfect position for him.
Moving him into the number 10 role would mean some of his defensive attributes are lost, and he thrives off that as much as he does going forward.
Do you think he could challenge Andre and Joao Gomes, who are untouchable at Wolves?
He would certainly push them all the way and could even force himself into the XI. This is a player who is a regular in the Belgian national team, and he is a lot better than the likes of Tommy Doyle.
It may take time, but if he was given a chance and started off well, that could convince Vitor Pereira to stick with him.
Is Raskin up to the task of playing in the Premier League?
Everyone is quick to slam the standard of Scottish football, but if you boil it down to the games against Celtic last season, he was the best player on the pitch in at least two of those.
Raskin also plays against quality opponents in Europe and when in action for Belgium. He is more than good enough for the Premier League and would adapt really well.
Rangers have been sub-par for a while now, but he is the constant standout.
How would Rangers feel about letting him go?
Russell Martin already seems keen to build his team around Raskin and knows the importance of him.
His contract is up in 2027, but the new 49ers ownership will want to keep their best players. But if Raskin were to push for it, I don’t think they would stand in his way.
What fee do you think would be achievable for his signing?
Rangers will want a healthy fee for him. Their record sale of Calvin Bassey for £20m was a lot, and I could imagine them wanting something in that region.
Anything in the region of £15m and above may be enough to twist their arm. Had it been under the old ownership, then it could’ve been cheaper.