Rangers blocked Nicolas Raskin's summer move to Beşiktaş after manager Derek McInnes included the midfielder in a matchday squad. The decision came on 1 September as the 25-year-old sat on the team bus for the trip to Falkirk while advanced talks with the Turkish club were underway.
Beşiktaş had agreed terms with both Rangers and the player late in the transfer window, Serdal Adalı said. "They received the green light from the Gers to negotiate with the player, who initially accepted the transfer," Adalı stated. The club had booked a flight for Raskin to travel for a medical and complete the signing on deadline day.
McInnes's decision to name Raskin in the squad for the Falkirk match effectively ended the move. After Raskin featured in the following game, there was no time left for Beşiktaş to arrange the necessary medical examinations and signatures. The midfielder has since described the episode as "to be closed" but left the door open for a future transfer.
Beşiktaş are expected to approach Raskin again during the winter transfer window, planning an early move to avoid the difficulties they faced this summer. The news comes as Rangers sit second in the Premiership with 16 points from seven games, just two points behind leaders Celtic.
Neil's leadership and Ferguson's role
Dan Neil, who joined Rangers as a free agent this summer on a three-year contract, has already made his mark. The midfielder captained the side to a 3-0 victory over Celtic in the Scottish League Cup quarter-final, an Old Firm win that featured goals from Neil and Kyogo Kelsy.
Former Rangers interim boss and club ambassador Barry Ferguson revealed his role in bringing Neil to Ibrox. Ferguson was tasked with convincing the midfielder to join after his loan spell at Ipswich Town last season.
Rangers' strong start, which includes a current five-game winning run, shows the value of retaining a squad member like Raskin. Beşiktaş will now wait until January to renew their interest in the Belgian midfielder.
Background and full detail: TransferFeed
