TBR Football understands that Leeds, Brentford, and Everton all held talks with Rangers about Nico Raskin in the final week of the deadline, however, the player said no.
The 24-year-old has been a huge figure for the club since arriving from Standard Liege in 2023. Raskin rejected Leeds United in favour of Rangers; however, the Belgian midfielder has found himself out of favour under Russell Martin.
Martin beat Steven Gerrard in the race to replace Philippe Clement at Ibrox and has since found himself under huge pressure after crashing out of the Champions League and without a win in their opening four league games.
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Martin has faced criticism from fans over his treatment of Raskin, who have chanted the name of the Belgian, who was not included in their squad to face arch rivals Celtic last time out.
Head coach Russell Martin of Rangers during the UEFA Champions League Play-offs Round Second Leg match between Club Brugge and Rangers at Jan Breydel Stadium.
Photo by Joris Verwijst/BSR Agency/Getty Images
TBR Football can confirm that several clubs, including Leeds, Brentford, and Everton, had contact with Rangers regarding a prospective deal.
But their enquiries did not advance when they became aware that Raskin wanted to fight for his Ibrox future.
Nicolas Raskin ruled out a move to Leeds United
Despite his struggles at club level, Raskin has been included for Belgium, and he scored his first goal for his country in the recent 6-0 win over Kazakhstan.
Speaking after his first strike, he was asked about his future. He told Walfoot: “My situation at the club is complicated. I will return, work hard, and try to get playing time again.
“But it’s not just up to me. I know this is an important year, and I absolutely want to be part of this campaign with Belgium.
“Football is simply a game of ups and downs. I absolutely love Rangers. I’ve had some great moments there and have a strong bond with the fans. I always try to give my all.
Nicolas Raskin of Belgium celebrates scoring his team's third goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Belgium and Kazakhstan at Lotto Park.
Photo by Omar Havana/Getty Images
“A transfer? No, that’s out of the question. I want to continue to resolve this at the club.”
Daniel Farke was eager to bolster his squad in the final days of the summer transfer window as Leeds considered a late move for Manor Solomon, who was on loan at Elland Road last season, but the forward completed a loan move to Villarreal.
The Whites were reliant on player sales to fund further business in West Yorkshire – Leeds struggled to offload Illan Meslier, among other unwanted stars, and therefore James Justin’s arrival from Leicester City was the final player through the door.
Noah Okafor’s £18 million acquisition from AC Milan stands as Leeds’ marquee signing of the summer, and despite missing out on Raskin, the Whites added ten players to the squad upon their Premier League return, totalling a spend of £87.7m.
Richard Martin had no intention of selling Nicolas Raskin to Leeds
Martin addressed the ongoing speculation when speaking to The Herald prior to Rangers’ Champions League qualifier against Viktoria Plzen and assured the Belgian would not be leaving Ibrox.
“There’s been a bit of uncertainty about him this summer, for sure. Not from people ringing us, but I think from people ringing him, definitely.
“So I think that’s affected his approach. Not in terms of professionalism, but he’s a young man, of course it’s going to have an impact at some point.
“And then we’ve had a discussion and since he came out of the team, he’s been a different guy. Incredible.
“Hopefully we can get to the end of the window, he’s played brilliantly, the window shuts, he’s still here. And then we can keep improving and keep kicking on.”