Raskin transfer to Besiktas collapses as Scottish window closes

The proposed transfer of Rangers midfielder Nicolas Raskin to Turkish club Besiktas has collapsed after a dramatic reversal in negotiations, leaving the Belgian player at Ibrox as the Scottish transfer window closed. The saga reached its peak on September 3, when a deal appeared imminent before falling apart due to a change in the player's position. The situation had been developing for several days. Rangers had rejected an initial loan proposal from Besiktas that included a significant fee but no obligation to buy, as the Scottish club sought a permanent transfer to secure necessary income. Manager Derek McInnes confirmed the approach was turned down and that Raskin remained available for selection. The midfielder, who has a contract until 2028, was subsequently named in the starting lineup for Wednesday's Premiership match against Falkirk, which Rangers won 2-1. According to a report from Turkish journalist Murat Ozen, the negotiations took a bizarre turn after the match. Ozen claimed that initially, Raskin was willing to join Besiktas while Rangers resisted the proposed terms.