Palace Plot a Midfield Heist: Raskin on the Radar as Wharton Watch Intensifies

Crystal Palace aren’t burying their heads in the sand. They know Adam Wharton’s rise has Europe’s elite sniffing about, and according to Spanish outlet Fichajes, the Eagles have identified Rangers’ Nicolas Raskin as a serious option should the England midfielder fly the nest.

Why Palace are bracing for Wharton’s exit

Wharton has been a revelation since arriving from Blackburn in January 2024, and the queue of admirers reads like a Champions League draw: Liverpool, Manchester United, Real Madrid – the lot. He’s tied down at Selhurst Park until June 2029, which gives Palace full bargaining power to demand a monster fee if bids arrive next year. Pragmatic planning says you line up the next man early, and that’s precisely what’s happening behind the scenes.

Raskin’s profile and the Rangers picture

Rangers, per the report, would be open to a January sale as Raskin enters the last 18 months of his deal at Ibrox. There’s flux in Glasgow as well, with the club seeking a new boss after sacking ex-Southampton coach Russell Martin earlier this month. Former Sheffield Wednesday chief Danny Rohl is touted as a front-runner, while Steven Gerrard is understood to have stepped away after advanced talks.

On the pitch, Raskin brings bite and brains. Lauded as “phenomenal,” he was arguably Rangers’ standout performer last season, clocking five goals and 11 assists across 48 games in all competitions. This term he’s continued to tick over: 14 appearances, one goal, four assists. He’s press-hardy, progressive on the turn, and not shy of threading the killer pass – exactly the sort of profile that translates to Oliver Glasner’s high-tempo blueprint.

Glasner’s puzzle: where Raskin fits

Glasner’s Palace have turned into a snappy, vertical outfit. The Austrian wants energy in central areas, quick regains, and bravery on the ball. Raskin fits that remit as an all-court midfielder who can shuttle, screen, and spark counters. He won’t replace Wharton like-for-like – few could – but he’d keep the heartbeat quick, offer penetration from deep, and complement Palace’s attacking runners.

Transfer reality check

Palace’s summer showed a club willing to evolve carefully. Eberechi Eze departed, and captain Marc Guehi almost joined Liverpool before the move collapsed when a replacement couldn’t be sourced in time. Spending was measured – around £47m – placing the Eagles among the Premier League’s lowest outlays. Even so, Glasner still added Walter Benitez, Borna Sosa, Jaydee Canvot, Yeremy Pino and Christantus Uche to freshen the squad.

Given Raskin’s contract situation, a mid-season deal could be attainable without smashing the piggy bank. It’s the sort of opportunistic, value-smart move Palace have quietly specialised in. Wharton’s stock is soaring and Palace will demand a premium if the big boys come calling – and the reinvestment plan already looks mapped out. For wider context around the game’s markets and narratives, our best betting sites hub is a handy jumping-off point.

Palace now and next

Seven games in, Palace sit sixth – tidy work – and Bournemouth visit Selhurst Park next. Keep an eye on the midfield carousel: if the Wharton noise grows louder, expect the Raskin radar to ping just as hard. For now, it’s smart scouting and steady hands – classic Palace under Glasner, playing the long game while staying competitive in the here and now.