Kris Boyd has expressed bewilderment at Rangers' inability to secure a significant fee for key players such as Nico Raskin. The 25-year-old midfielder, who impressed for Belgium in their run to the World Cup quarter-finals, was expected to secure a big-money move this summer.
Atalanta and Bologna were keen on signing Raskin, while Spanish clubs Villarreal and Real Betis were also linked. Hull City saw a bid rejected earlier in the window. After the closure of Europe's top five leagues' transfer windows, Besiktas made a move, but both the player and the club turned it down.
Raskin stays, Aasgaard leaves on loan
Raskin now appears set to remain at Ibrox despite entering the final two years of his contract. Meanwhile, teammate Thelo Aasgaard has been allowed to join Anderlecht on loan, with the Belgian club holding an option to buy.
Boyd questions exit strategy
Speaking after Rangers' 2-1 win over Falkirk, Boyd told Sky Sports: "Why can Rangers not get a deal done? Nico Raskin is someone who has been earmarked for the last two or three transfer windows to move on for big money, and it's not materialised."
He added: "You then look at Thelo Aasgaard, and there was rumours it's £6million and now all of a sudden it's a loan with an option to buy. I'm lost for words, to be honest."
Boyd questioned the logic of the loan: "What benefit is sending him out on loan? Unless there is an obligation to buy at the end of it, then you can understand that. But if you are sending him out on loan and he can just come back, why would you not just keep him?"
He also referenced manager Derek's post-match comments: "Derek has said Nico Raskin loves the club, he loves the club because he is staying right now. If there was something that suited all parties, Nico Raskin's love for the club is forgotten and he moves on."
Concluding, Boyd said: "For me looking at it with Thelo Aasgaard - it's a loan deal. To all of a sudden, it's now a loan deal. Who does that benefit?"
