Glasgow Rangers ended the January transfer window in fine fashion as they finally secured a deal for midfielder Nicolas Raskin, having pursued the Belgian since last summer.
Michael Beale will no doubt be happy by adding the 21-year-old and Todd Cantwell to his squad, and although he would have ideally wanted another defender and a centre-forward, the long-term ambition to only sign players who fit his philosophy could prove to be invaluable in the near future.
The chase for Raskin could certainly be worth it, especially considering that Napoli and Barcelona were interested in him at various points, which suggests that he is a player who not only has talent in abundance but could also generate millions for Rangers in the future.
It appears that Ross Wilson and Beale struck gold by signing the Belgian, who could become a valued member of the squad for the rest of the campaign, bedding in before embarking on a solid pre-season which could see him cement his place in the starting XI.
The Athletic’s Jordan Campbell was full of praise for Raskin, claiming that he “showed traits of a young Steven Davis”. With the Northern Irishman almost certain to leave Ibrox in the summer when his contract expires, the Belgian would appear to be the perfect heir.
Davis was a midfielder capable of playing in different positions during his first spell at the Light Blues, and Campbell also reckons that Beale will utilise Raskin as a “hybrid 6/8”, clearly embodying the qualities that Davis displayed at Ibrox between 2008 and 2012.
For Standard Liege this season, the 21-year-old provided a clear attacking threat, as evidenced by four assists, four big chances created and 1.1 key passes per match, while his defensive abilities were also demonstrated to great effect.
The Belgian made 3.3 tackles per game, won 58% of his duels and was dribbled past just 0.6 times per match.
Journalist Bob Faesen praised the midfielder in 2020 as he burst onto the scene with Standard, describing him as “technically gifted”, and he already could be one of the finest signings that Rangers have made over the previous few years.
When Davis joined Rangers for the first time in January 2008, he helped power the club to a domestic cup double and a UEFA Cup final appearance. Minus the European adventure, Raskin could well do the same if given a regular run in the team, and it could well kickstart an exciting era under Beale.
