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. However, by the end of the evening, the positions had swapped: Rangers were reportedly prepared to...