Philippe Clement sees his Nico Raskin transfer prophecy ring true as Rangers star sees Premier League interest rise

Daily Record

6 days ago

Clement was sacked by Gers back in February but recently predicted that his former player is destined for big things down south
Philippe Clement didn't get too much right in the final weeks of his Rangers tenure - but his transfer prophecy about Nicolas Raskin could have some weight to it.
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It comes off the back of recent reports that West-Midlands rivals Aston Villa have also been keeping tabs on Raskin, who is also said to have potential suitors abroad.
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The 24-year-old was a shining light in an otherwise dismal campaign for Gers last season, and his efforts have been rewarded with four caps for the Red Devils at senior international level.
It remains to be seen if new owners San Francisco 49ers will opt to cash in on their prized asset - who still has two years remaining on his contract - this summer to give boss Russell Martin an additional boost to the £20million transfer kitty already laid down by the Ibrox hierarchy.
And the recent surge of interest in the player from the big boys down south will have come as no surprise to Clement, who recently opened up on all things Rangers four months on from his sacking in Govan.
Asked about Raskin, he said: "He's ready. I'm convinced Nico would fit perfectly in the Premier League.
"I'm not saying he would be in a top six team now. But just below that, so he can calmly adapt to the level. "Make no mistake: Nico has a lot of room to grow.
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"He has to make the right choice now. And if he leaves and gets enough playing time at his new club, he will only get better. I would put my hand in the fire for that."
Clement, who handed Raskin the captain's armband for an Old Firm clash with Celtic back in January, added: "He's a character. I worked with him intensively for a year at Rangers. Nico wants to know everything, gets into discussions and has his own opinion. But if you communicate and argue clearly, there's no problem at all.
"I like players with an opinion. I didn't just give him the captain's armband for nothing. That way he could grow as a footballer and take on more responsibility.
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"He has good feet and plays energetic football, but the most important step Nico has taken is that he has become tactically stronger. That's why he was ready for the national team - something I said six months ago. I've talked to him about it a lot.
"Nico was a firefighter. You know? He often went somewhere else to put out fires and that caused problems in his zone. He doesn't do that anymore.
"I wasn't surprised when he played so well for Belgium on his debut. He's played a lot of European matches. Both with Standard Liege and Rangers.
"When you play against teams like Manchester United, Spurs, Benfica or Real Betis....it means it's nothing new for him to play against top players.
"Playing for his country was a huge honour for him. Nico benefits from that - he's a born winner.'