1 day ago
United States President Donald Trump is no stranger to controversy, and he found himself in yet another one when he involved himself in FIFA's ruling to rescind the red card suspension handed to United States striker Folarin Balogun. In July, one of the nation's top Democrats, Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), the ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee, demanded that FIFA turn over all records related to its communications with Trump, members of his administration, and the Trump Organization.
If Raskin follows through with the probe, he may find correspondence FIFA President Gianni Infantino does indeed have plans in the works tied to people close to the Trump administration.
Last week, The Times' Martyn Ziegler reported on Infantino's plans to sell a private stake in future World Cups to private investors, including Josh Kushner, the younger brother of Jared Kushner, the United States Special Envoy for Peace Missions and husband of Trump's daughter, Ivanka. Infantino backed off of his plans after they were met with global outrage, but the damage was already done.
There has been increasing pressure for Infantino to be ousted, and he is reportedly turning to the Trump administration for support.
"Gianni Infantino is set to hold a meeting with senior figures in the Trump administration as he seeks support to continue at FIFA. Infantino has already been calling federations for public support as pressure grows for him to resign," Ben Jacobs reported on Monday.
#infantino #raskin
If Raskin follows through with the probe, he may find correspondence FIFA President Gianni Infantino does indeed have plans in the works tied to people close to the Trump administration.
Last week, The Times' Martyn Ziegler reported on Infantino's plans to sell a private stake in future World Cups to private investors, including Josh Kushner, the younger brother of Jared Kushner, the United States Special Envoy for Peace Missions and husband of Trump's daughter, Ivanka. Infantino backed off of his plans after they were met with global outrage, but the damage was already done.
There has been increasing pressure for Infantino to be ousted, and he is reportedly turning to the Trump administration for support.
"Gianni Infantino is set to hold a meeting with senior figures in the Trump administration as he seeks support to continue at FIFA. Infantino has already been calling federations for public support as pressure grows for him to resign," Ben Jacobs reported on Monday.
#infantino #raskin
12 days ago
Hull City tried their luck. It failed. Nicolas Raskin has flatly turned down an approach from the newly-promoted Premier League outfit, despite the Yorkshire side putting a hefty sum on the table. According to reports from the Daily Record, Hull were ready to meet Rangers' valuation in principle, but the player's camp slammed the brakes on the whole thing. He simply has no interest in moving to the MKM Stadium.
It leaves the Tigers stranded. TEAMtalk and the Yorkshire Post suggest Hull put forward somewhere between £12m and £14m. Rangers, however, are clinging to a valuation north of £20m. That is a massive gap in Scottish football terms. Hull might have the cash from their promotion, but they face a steep mountain if they think a second attempt will change Raskin's mind. Money is only half the battle here. The player wants elite European football, and his representatives are working overtime to land a move to a far bigger stage.
To understand the Belgian's ambition, you only have to look at his last 12 months. It was a standout year. Across 33 Scottish Premiership outings during the 2025/26 campaign, he notched six goals and seven ***** ists. He clocked nearly 2,800 minutes in domestic action, finishing as the top-rated player in the entire Rangers squad with an average rating of 7.54. Throw in eight appearances in the Europa League, and it becomes clear why he was the engine driving Ibrox.
Then came the World Cup. Raskin took that domestic form straight to North America, starting every group match for Belgium. His display in the 4-1 thrashing of the USA on 4 July turned plenty of heads across the continent. Now, the suitors are lining up. Real Betis, Atalanta, Bologna, and Tottenham Hotspur are all monitoring the situation. Teams across La Liga and Serie A have sniffed around, along with several established Premier League sides.
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – NOVEMBER 06: Nico Raskin of Rangers is seen during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD4 match between Rangers FC and AS Roma at Ibrox Stadium on November 06, 2025 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
#rangers
It leaves the Tigers stranded. TEAMtalk and the Yorkshire Post suggest Hull put forward somewhere between £12m and £14m. Rangers, however, are clinging to a valuation north of £20m. That is a massive gap in Scottish football terms. Hull might have the cash from their promotion, but they face a steep mountain if they think a second attempt will change Raskin's mind. Money is only half the battle here. The player wants elite European football, and his representatives are working overtime to land a move to a far bigger stage.
To understand the Belgian's ambition, you only have to look at his last 12 months. It was a standout year. Across 33 Scottish Premiership outings during the 2025/26 campaign, he notched six goals and seven ***** ists. He clocked nearly 2,800 minutes in domestic action, finishing as the top-rated player in the entire Rangers squad with an average rating of 7.54. Throw in eight appearances in the Europa League, and it becomes clear why he was the engine driving Ibrox.
Then came the World Cup. Raskin took that domestic form straight to North America, starting every group match for Belgium. His display in the 4-1 thrashing of the USA on 4 July turned plenty of heads across the continent. Now, the suitors are lining up. Real Betis, Atalanta, Bologna, and Tottenham Hotspur are all monitoring the situation. Teams across La Liga and Serie A have sniffed around, along with several established Premier League sides.
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – NOVEMBER 06: Nico Raskin of Rangers is seen during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD4 match between Rangers FC and AS Roma at Ibrox Stadium on November 06, 2025 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
#rangers
14 days ago
Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin is launching an investigation into whether Jeffrey Epstein acted as an unregistered foreign agent for multiple countries, requesting records from the Trump administration on the scope of the late convicted ***** offender's foreign ties.
In the Republican-controlled House, Raskin's demands to the Department of Justice, Department of State and intelligence community are likely to go unanswered, but his push as the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee serves as a preview for how Democrats will pursue investigations if they reclaim the House majority in the next Congress, which would give them control of committees with subpoena power.
In a new letter, Raskin points to documents released by the Department of Justice and the House Oversight Committee and says that he has found "substantial evidence" that Epstein "acted to advance the interests" of the Saudi Arabian and Kuwaiti governments, advised the Russian government and worked as a consultant for a former Israeli prime minister. Raskin also raises concerns about the potential security risks Epstein's foreign ties posed, given he was never registered as a foreign agent.
"Our examination of available evidence has already revealed ***** ing indications of Mr. Epstein's activities on behalf of foreign states," Raskin wrote.
CNN has reached out for comment to the Justice Department, the State Department and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.
In the Republican-controlled House, Raskin's demands to the Department of Justice, Department of State and intelligence community are likely to go unanswered, but his push as the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee serves as a preview for how Democrats will pursue investigations if they reclaim the House majority in the next Congress, which would give them control of committees with subpoena power.
In a new letter, Raskin points to documents released by the Department of Justice and the House Oversight Committee and says that he has found "substantial evidence" that Epstein "acted to advance the interests" of the Saudi Arabian and Kuwaiti governments, advised the Russian government and worked as a consultant for a former Israeli prime minister. Raskin also raises concerns about the potential security risks Epstein's foreign ties posed, given he was never registered as a foreign agent.
"Our examination of available evidence has already revealed ***** ing indications of Mr. Epstein's activities on behalf of foreign states," Raskin wrote.
CNN has reached out for comment to the Justice Department, the State Department and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.
25 days ago
Rangers linked with midfielders in Austria and Serbia as Hearts hold talks with key player over a contract extension...
Rangers are the furthest down the line of clubs in pursuit of Sturm Graz and Cameroon midfielder Ryan Fosso, 23. (Sky Sports Switzerland - in French)
Rangers are ramping up their interest in Partizan Belgrade captain Vanja Dragojevic, 20, as they prepare to cash in on Belgium midfielder Nicolas Raskin. (TeamTalk)
Cammy Devlin has had positive talks with new Hearts boss Wouter Vrancken as the 28-year-old Australia midfielder weighs up accepting a new contract offer or moving on as a free agent. (Hearts Standard - subscription required)
Prospective signing Camilo Duran, 24, has been pictured training with Celtic in Portugal, with the Qarabag winger expected to complete a move to Martin O'Neill's side soon. (Herald - subscription required)
Rangers are the furthest down the line of clubs in pursuit of Sturm Graz and Cameroon midfielder Ryan Fosso, 23. (Sky Sports Switzerland - in French)
Rangers are ramping up their interest in Partizan Belgrade captain Vanja Dragojevic, 20, as they prepare to cash in on Belgium midfielder Nicolas Raskin. (TeamTalk)
Cammy Devlin has had positive talks with new Hearts boss Wouter Vrancken as the 28-year-old Australia midfielder weighs up accepting a new contract offer or moving on as a free agent. (Hearts Standard - subscription required)
Prospective signing Camilo Duran, 24, has been pictured training with Celtic in Portugal, with the Qarabag winger expected to complete a move to Martin O'Neill's side soon. (Herald - subscription required)
28 days ago
SEATTLE (AP) — Shortly after Romelu Lukaku scored the goal that capped a commanding 4-1 win over the United States, Belgium's all-time leading goal scorer held his right hand to his ear.
On American soil, and in the aftermath of star U.S. forward Folarin Balogun being permitted to play after a one-game red-card suspension was controversially lifted by FIFA, Lukaku egged on the crowd of 66,925 at Lumen Field. The Red Devils then took to social media to poke more fun in light of what they considered no laughing matter, posting above the photo the words: "Overturn this."
"There's always a justice somewhere in life," Belgian midfielder Nicolas Raskin said. "The fact that something happened like that, we don't think that was fair. And today, I think it just brings us a little bit of (motivation) that we needed to win the game."
The Belgian soccer federation wanted an explanation from FIFA about the decision to let Balogun play. Many of Belgium's players, though, insisted they didn't need any additional motivation for Monday's match.
Belgium extended its unbeaten streak to 18 games, and knocked out the U.S. in the round of 16 for the second time in 12 years.
On American soil, and in the aftermath of star U.S. forward Folarin Balogun being permitted to play after a one-game red-card suspension was controversially lifted by FIFA, Lukaku egged on the crowd of 66,925 at Lumen Field. The Red Devils then took to social media to poke more fun in light of what they considered no laughing matter, posting above the photo the words: "Overturn this."
"There's always a justice somewhere in life," Belgian midfielder Nicolas Raskin said. "The fact that something happened like that, we don't think that was fair. And today, I think it just brings us a little bit of (motivation) that we needed to win the game."
The Belgian soccer federation wanted an explanation from FIFA about the decision to let Balogun play. Many of Belgium's players, though, insisted they didn't need any additional motivation for Monday's match.
Belgium extended its unbeaten streak to 18 games, and knocked out the U.S. in the round of 16 for the second time in 12 years.
28 days ago
Jeremy Doku and Belgium progress into a FIFA World Cup quarter-final after defeating co-hosts United States in Seattle on Monday night.
A brace from Charles De Ketelaere spear-headed a ruthless Belgian display in Seattle, silencing the home support and bringing a bruising halt to the United States' World Cup journey.
De Ketelaere initially caught the defence napping by tapping home a ninth-minute cross from Nicolas Raskin. While Mauricio Pochettino's men found fleeting life courtesy of a heavily deflected Malik Tillman free-kick, their joy was instantly erased just two minutes later as De Ketelaere nodded home his second.
The structural cracks in the American lines completely gave way in the second half, punctuated by a disastrous error from goalkeeper Matt Freese that allowed Hans Vanaken to capitalise from distance.
To put a devastating exclamation point on the performance, substitute Romelu Lukaku entered the fray late on to squeeze home a clinical, tight-angle finish deep into stoppage time.
A brace from Charles De Ketelaere spear-headed a ruthless Belgian display in Seattle, silencing the home support and bringing a bruising halt to the United States' World Cup journey.
De Ketelaere initially caught the defence napping by tapping home a ninth-minute cross from Nicolas Raskin. While Mauricio Pochettino's men found fleeting life courtesy of a heavily deflected Malik Tillman free-kick, their joy was instantly erased just two minutes later as De Ketelaere nodded home his second.
The structural cracks in the American lines completely gave way in the second half, punctuated by a disastrous error from goalkeeper Matt Freese that allowed Hans Vanaken to capitalise from distance.
To put a devastating exclamation point on the performance, substitute Romelu Lukaku entered the fray late on to squeeze home a clinical, tight-angle finish deep into stoppage time.
28 days ago
Belgium midfielder Nicolas Raskin said his team felt a "sense of injustice" over United States striker Folarin Balogun's one-match ban being suspended by Fifa shortly before their World Cup last-16 match.
Balogun, 25, appeared certain to miss the tie in Seattle after being shown a straight red card for a foul on Bosnia-Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemovic in the previous round.
But on Sunday Fifa suspended the automatic one-match ban for 12 months, leading to widespread criticism, with Uefa, Belgium and England boss Thomas Tuchel among those speaking out against the ruling.
On Monday US President Donald Trump said he asked Fifa to review Balogun's ban, which he said would have left a "big stain" on the tournament.
But, despite the American's star striker being cleared to play and starting the match, Belgium convincingly beat the tournament co-hosts 4-1.
Balogun, 25, appeared certain to miss the tie in Seattle after being shown a straight red card for a foul on Bosnia-Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemovic in the previous round.
But on Sunday Fifa suspended the automatic one-match ban for 12 months, leading to widespread criticism, with Uefa, Belgium and England boss Thomas Tuchel among those speaking out against the ruling.
On Monday US President Donald Trump said he asked Fifa to review Balogun's ban, which he said would have left a "big stain" on the tournament.
But, despite the American's star striker being cleared to play and starting the match, Belgium convincingly beat the tournament co-hosts 4-1.
29 days ago
Belgium defeated the U.S. men's national soccer team 4-1 in their Round of 16 game at the FIFA World Cup on Monday, knocking out the hosts from the tournament—as the team said they were fueled by the controversy over FIFA's decision to overturn Folarin Balogun's red card suspension after a push by President Donald Trump.
Belgium's Romelu Lukaku celebrates after scoring his side's fourth goal during the World Cup round of 16 match between the United States and Belgium in Seattle.
Belgian captain Youri Tielemans told the country's public broadcaster RTBF that the team held a meeting after hearing about Balogun's red card decision and decided "we needed to do our talking on the pitch."
In a post-game interview, Belgium's goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois said his team had been shown "lack of respect" in the U.S. in recent days and heard that they could be beaten "easily."
Belgian midfielder Nicolas Raskin told reporters that the game's outcome showed there's "always a justice somewhere in life," and said the red card controversy was not fair to his team.
Belgium's Romelu Lukaku celebrates after scoring his side's fourth goal during the World Cup round of 16 match between the United States and Belgium in Seattle.
Belgian captain Youri Tielemans told the country's public broadcaster RTBF that the team held a meeting after hearing about Balogun's red card decision and decided "we needed to do our talking on the pitch."
In a post-game interview, Belgium's goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois said his team had been shown "lack of respect" in the U.S. in recent days and heard that they could be beaten "easily."
Belgian midfielder Nicolas Raskin told reporters that the game's outcome showed there's "always a justice somewhere in life," and said the red card controversy was not fair to his team.
29 days ago
After FIFA's controversial decision to lift Folarin Balogun's suspension, USMNT welcome Belgium in Seattle as the Round of 16 action continues at the World Cup. Their top-scorer starts up front, despite his red card in the previous round against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
After the dismissal of the Monaco striker, who scored the opener at the stroke of half-time, Malik Tillman sealed the victory for Mauricio Pochettino’s men with a direct free-kick goal. Bayer Leverkusen’s midfielder is on the starting lineup once again, while Gladbach's duo Joe Scally and Gio Reyna are on the bench.
Meanwhile, Arthur Theate is dropped to the bench by Rudi Garcia after he started the last two games for Belgium. Lille's centre-back Nathan Ngoy won his place back from Eintracht Frankfurt's defender. Belgium came from a two-goal deficit in the Round of 16 to beat Senegal in extra-time. As expected, the French coach made several changes including dropping Kevin de Bruyne and Jeremy Doku to the bench.
USA XI: Freese; Freeman, Richards, Ream ©, Robinson; Tillman, Adams, McKennie; Dest, Balogun, Pulisic
Belgium XI: Courtois; Castagne, Mechele, Ngoy, de Cuyper; Onana, Raskin; Lukebakio, Tielemans ©, Trossard; Charles de Ketelaere
After the dismissal of the Monaco striker, who scored the opener at the stroke of half-time, Malik Tillman sealed the victory for Mauricio Pochettino’s men with a direct free-kick goal. Bayer Leverkusen’s midfielder is on the starting lineup once again, while Gladbach's duo Joe Scally and Gio Reyna are on the bench.
Meanwhile, Arthur Theate is dropped to the bench by Rudi Garcia after he started the last two games for Belgium. Lille's centre-back Nathan Ngoy won his place back from Eintracht Frankfurt's defender. Belgium came from a two-goal deficit in the Round of 16 to beat Senegal in extra-time. As expected, the French coach made several changes including dropping Kevin de Bruyne and Jeremy Doku to the bench.
USA XI: Freese; Freeman, Richards, Ream ©, Robinson; Tillman, Adams, McKennie; Dest, Balogun, Pulisic
Belgium XI: Courtois; Castagne, Mechele, Ngoy, de Cuyper; Onana, Raskin; Lukebakio, Tielemans ©, Trossard; Charles de Ketelaere
1 month ago
The United States Men’s National Team continues to advance at the 2026 World Cup, having taken down Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32 by a 2-0 margin. The tournament field continues to narrow, and the opponents grow more daunting, with Belgium hoping to spoil the co-hosts’ party and advance to the quarterfinal. The European program is looking to improve on a third-place finish in 2018, which would be quite the welcome surprise well after a golden generation. Seattle, Washington’s Lumen Field – a 72,000-seat multi-purpose stadium with a temporary stitched natural grass surface – hosts the fixture.
This is the eighth all-time meeting between the two nations, with the USMNT carrying a 1-6-0 record and falling in the most recent match, a friendly defeat (2-5) in March. Ranked 10th internationally by FIFA, Belgium reached the World Cup by finishing atop UEFA’s Group J of qualifying with a 5-0-3 record, besting Wales, North Macedonia, Kazakhstan, and Liechtenstein. At the current competition, the Red Devils claimed Group G with draws against Egypt (1-1) and Iran (0-0) and a victory over New Zealand (5-1) before requiring extra time and a fortuitous penalty to top Senegal (3-2) in the Round of 32.
Rudi Garcia was appointed to lead the program in January 2025, his first international gig after leading a variety of club sides including Lille, Roma, Marseille, Lyon, Al Nassr, and Napoli. The 62-year-old Frenchman believes that his squad is “very driven” and “aiming high” with the capacity to “achieve great things.” He has praised the “oldies” in his group, defending them against treatment as “has-beens.”
Garcia named a 26-player roster for the World Cup. The Belgian Pro League is home to three of the call-ups, while seven talents are on the books of Premier League clubs, five compete in Ligue 1, and five can be found in Serie A. Notable absences include Michy Batshuayi, Loïs Openda, Matz Sels, and Malick Fofana.
***
GOALKEEPERS (3): Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid), Senne Lammens (Manchester United), Mike Penders (Strasbourg)
DEFENDERS (9): Zeno Debast (Sporting CP), Arthur Theate (Eintracht Frankfurt), Brandon Mechele (Club Brugge), Maxim De Cuyper (Brighton & Hove Albion), Thomas Meunier (Lille), Koni De Winter (Milan), Joaquin Seys (Club Brugge), Timothy Castagne (Fulham), Nathan Ngoy (Lille)
MIDFIELDERS (7): Axel Witsel (Girona), Kevin De Bruyne (Napoli), Youri Tielemans (Aston Villa), Diego Moreira (Strasbourg), Hans Vanaken (Club Brugge), Nicolas Raskin (Rangers), Amadou Onana (Aston Villa)
FORWARDS (7): Romelu Lukaku (Napoli), Leandro Trossard (Arsenal), Jérémy Doku (Manchester City), Dodi Lukébakio (Benfica), Charles De Ketelaere (Atalanta), Alexis Saelemaekers (Milan), Matias Fernandez-Pardo (Lille)
***
Garcia has utilized a few different formations but appears to be sticking to the 4-2-3-1/5-4-1 at the World Cup, with a traditional midfielder dropped into the back line when defending. The squad engages in a total press that “force
This is the eighth all-time meeting between the two nations, with the USMNT carrying a 1-6-0 record and falling in the most recent match, a friendly defeat (2-5) in March. Ranked 10th internationally by FIFA, Belgium reached the World Cup by finishing atop UEFA’s Group J of qualifying with a 5-0-3 record, besting Wales, North Macedonia, Kazakhstan, and Liechtenstein. At the current competition, the Red Devils claimed Group G with draws against Egypt (1-1) and Iran (0-0) and a victory over New Zealand (5-1) before requiring extra time and a fortuitous penalty to top Senegal (3-2) in the Round of 32.
Rudi Garcia was appointed to lead the program in January 2025, his first international gig after leading a variety of club sides including Lille, Roma, Marseille, Lyon, Al Nassr, and Napoli. The 62-year-old Frenchman believes that his squad is “very driven” and “aiming high” with the capacity to “achieve great things.” He has praised the “oldies” in his group, defending them against treatment as “has-beens.”
Garcia named a 26-player roster for the World Cup. The Belgian Pro League is home to three of the call-ups, while seven talents are on the books of Premier League clubs, five compete in Ligue 1, and five can be found in Serie A. Notable absences include Michy Batshuayi, Loïs Openda, Matz Sels, and Malick Fofana.
***
GOALKEEPERS (3): Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid), Senne Lammens (Manchester United), Mike Penders (Strasbourg)
DEFENDERS (9): Zeno Debast (Sporting CP), Arthur Theate (Eintracht Frankfurt), Brandon Mechele (Club Brugge), Maxim De Cuyper (Brighton & Hove Albion), Thomas Meunier (Lille), Koni De Winter (Milan), Joaquin Seys (Club Brugge), Timothy Castagne (Fulham), Nathan Ngoy (Lille)
MIDFIELDERS (7): Axel Witsel (Girona), Kevin De Bruyne (Napoli), Youri Tielemans (Aston Villa), Diego Moreira (Strasbourg), Hans Vanaken (Club Brugge), Nicolas Raskin (Rangers), Amadou Onana (Aston Villa)
FORWARDS (7): Romelu Lukaku (Napoli), Leandro Trossard (Arsenal), Jérémy Doku (Manchester City), Dodi Lukébakio (Benfica), Charles De Ketelaere (Atalanta), Alexis Saelemaekers (Milan), Matias Fernandez-Pardo (Lille)
***
Garcia has utilized a few different formations but appears to be sticking to the 4-2-3-1/5-4-1 at the World Cup, with a traditional midfielder dropped into the back line when defending. The squad engages in a total press that “force
1 month ago
Rangers reportedly have a bid rejected for Partizan Belgrade's Vanja Dragojević as Celtic are said to have tabled an offer for Las Palmas goalkeeper **** o Horkas, while there's also news from Aberdeen, Dundee United, Hibernian, Heart of Midlothian, Motherwell, St Mirren and St Johnstone.
Rangers have submitted a £3.9m offer for Vanja Dragojević, but Partizan Belgrade are looking for £4.7m, plus a percentage of further sales, for the 20-year-old midfielder. (Mozzart Sport)
Partizan Belgrade captain Vanja Dragojević is one of the options on the table as Rangers attempt to add further strength and depth in the middle of the park. (Rangers Review)
Rangers have expressed an interest in Sankhoun Diawara, but Basel have made significant progress on a deal while Troyes remain hopeful the 20-year-old centre-half will extend his stay after promotion to Ligue 1. (Foot Mercato)
Rangers midfielder Nicolas Raskin is set for a summer move after the World Cup, with Real Betis exploring a deal and two Italian clubs also interested in the Belgium 25-year-old. (Luca Bendoni on X)
Rangers have submitted a £3.9m offer for Vanja Dragojević, but Partizan Belgrade are looking for £4.7m, plus a percentage of further sales, for the 20-year-old midfielder. (Mozzart Sport)
Partizan Belgrade captain Vanja Dragojević is one of the options on the table as Rangers attempt to add further strength and depth in the middle of the park. (Rangers Review)
Rangers have expressed an interest in Sankhoun Diawara, but Basel have made significant progress on a deal while Troyes remain hopeful the 20-year-old centre-half will extend his stay after promotion to Ligue 1. (Foot Mercato)
Rangers midfielder Nicolas Raskin is set for a summer move after the World Cup, with Real Betis exploring a deal and two Italian clubs also interested in the Belgium 25-year-old. (Luca Bendoni on X)
1 month ago
Ian McCall believes his former club Rangers would need to use Nicolas Raskin as part of any deal to sign Bologna's Lewis Ferguson.
Reports suggest Rangers are interested in Scotland's Ferguson, 26, while fellow midfielder Nicolas Raskin, 25, has been linked with an Ibrox exit.
Ferguson, son of former Rangers player Derek, featured in all of Scotland's World Cup group games while Raskin has helped Belgium reach the last 16 of the tournament.
McCall played with Derek Ferguson, whose brother Barry was Rangers captain and later Ibrox head coach for a short spell.
"I thought it would have to involve Raskin going the other way, I don't know if that's still the case," McCall told BBC Radio Scotland. "It seems like a prime time to sell him.
Reports suggest Rangers are interested in Scotland's Ferguson, 26, while fellow midfielder Nicolas Raskin, 25, has been linked with an Ibrox exit.
Ferguson, son of former Rangers player Derek, featured in all of Scotland's World Cup group games while Raskin has helped Belgium reach the last 16 of the tournament.
McCall played with Derek Ferguson, whose brother Barry was Rangers captain and later Ibrox head coach for a short spell.
"I thought it would have to involve Raskin going the other way, I don't know if that's still the case," McCall told BBC Radio Scotland. "It seems like a prime time to sell him.
1 month ago
New Zealand and Belgium go head-to-head at BC Place this Saturday in the World Cup. The match will be broadcast live at 04:00 on BBC One.
In their last game, New Zealand lost 1-3 against Egypt (World Cup 2026). In their last outing, Belgium drew 0-0 against Iran (World Cup 2026).
New Zealand ( vs Egypt 2026-06-22): Max Crocombe, Tim Payne, Finn Surman, Michael Boxall, Liberato Cacace, Joe Bell, Marko Stamenic, Callum McCowatt, Sarpreet Singh, Elijah Just, Chris Wood
Belgium ( vs Iran 2026-06-21): Thibaut Courtois, Thomas Meunier, Nathan Ngoy, Brandon Mechele, Maxim De Cuyper, Nicolas Raskin, Youri Tielemans, Alexis Saelemaekers, Kevin De Bruyne, Leandro Trossard, Romelu Lukaku
In their last game, New Zealand lost 1-3 against Egypt (World Cup 2026). In their last outing, Belgium drew 0-0 against Iran (World Cup 2026).
New Zealand ( vs Egypt 2026-06-22): Max Crocombe, Tim Payne, Finn Surman, Michael Boxall, Liberato Cacace, Joe Bell, Marko Stamenic, Callum McCowatt, Sarpreet Singh, Elijah Just, Chris Wood
Belgium ( vs Iran 2026-06-21): Thibaut Courtois, Thomas Meunier, Nathan Ngoy, Brandon Mechele, Maxim De Cuyper, Nicolas Raskin, Youri Tielemans, Alexis Saelemaekers, Kevin De Bruyne, Leandro Trossard, Romelu Lukaku
2 months ago
The transfer rumour mill is spinning fast at Ibrox. Reports out of Italy from Gianluca Di Marzio suggest Serie A heavyweights Atalanta have locked onto Rangers midfielder Nicolas Raskin. Maurizio Sarri is looking for a dynamic engine room presence in Bergamo. The Italian side need a swift replacement for star man Ederson, who looks bound for Manchester United. Sky Sports Italy expects concrete updates imminently.
It is easy to see why scouts are interested. Raskin is fresh off a brilliant individual campaign in Scotland, 50 matches, seven goals, and nine ***** ists. Those numbers get you noticed. Just yesterday, the 25-year-old came off the bench for Belgium to rescue a crucial 1-1 draw against Egypt on his FIFA World Cup debut.
Rangers have him tied down until 2028. There is no immediate financial pressure to sell, but the allure of Italian football might turn the player’s head. At this peak stage of his career, a move to Serie A is a massive pull.
FALKIRK, SCOTLAND – APRIL 12: Nicolas Raskin of Rangers celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the William Hill Premiership match between Falkirk and Rangers at Falkirk Stadium on April 12, 2026 in Falkirk, Scotland. (Photo by Zak Mauger/Getty Images)
Rangers simply cannot afford to pass this up. Strike while the iron is hot. The club are in a fantastic negotiating position with two years left on Raskin’s deal, meaning they can demand top dollar from the Italians.
It is easy to see why scouts are interested. Raskin is fresh off a brilliant individual campaign in Scotland, 50 matches, seven goals, and nine ***** ists. Those numbers get you noticed. Just yesterday, the 25-year-old came off the bench for Belgium to rescue a crucial 1-1 draw against Egypt on his FIFA World Cup debut.
Rangers have him tied down until 2028. There is no immediate financial pressure to sell, but the allure of Italian football might turn the player’s head. At this peak stage of his career, a move to Serie A is a massive pull.
FALKIRK, SCOTLAND – APRIL 12: Nicolas Raskin of Rangers celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the William Hill Premiership match between Falkirk and Rangers at Falkirk Stadium on April 12, 2026 in Falkirk, Scotland. (Photo by Zak Mauger/Getty Images)
Rangers simply cannot afford to pass this up. Strike while the iron is hot. The club are in a fantastic negotiating position with two years left on Raskin’s deal, meaning they can demand top dollar from the Italians.
1 yr. ago
Rep. Jamie Raskin, the top House Democrat, opened a probe into the private dinner President Trump hosted for top investors in his meme coin, seeking to highlight the ethical concerns raised by the president’s willingness to profit while in office.
