NafisaRangers have been handed another major setback in their long-running pursuit of Lewis Ferguson, with Bologna reportedly having no intention of allowing the midfielder to leave during the January transfer window.
The Scotland international has remained one of the most persistent names linked with a return to Ibrox over the past 18 months, with his status as a lifelong Rangers supporter making the possibility particularly appealing to supporters.
Ferguson has never hidden his affection for the club, and his latest comments have once again brought the possibility of a future move into the spotlight.
But despite the obvious connection between player and club, Rangers are unlikely to get their man midway through the season.
Football Insider report that Bologna are preparing to resist any approaches for Ferguson in January, with the midfielder now an important part of their plans.
The 27-year-old has started regularly for the Serie A side this season after finding consistent playing time harder to come by towards the end of the previous campaign.
That form, combined with Bologna’s reluctance to sell, means Rangers could face another frustrating transfer window.
Lewis Ferguson to Rangers still unlikely in January
Rangers have been linked with Ferguson repeatedly since he established himself in Italy, but the club ultimately failed to secure his signature during the summer.
Ferguson himself recently admitted that while Rangers’ interest was genuine, nothing ever came close to being finalised between the two clubs.
His father, former Rangers star Derek Ferguson, subsequently claimed that his son had agreed personal terms with the Ibrox club during the summer but that Rangers did not submit a concrete offer before the transfer deadline.
Now, Football Insider’s latest information suggests another move will be difficult to arrange in January.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, the report’s author said: “Every window we talk about Lewis Ferguson and Rangers. It’s a link that won’t go away because of the obvious links between him and the club. He has been away on Scotland duty, so the question of him joining has reared its head again.
“I don’t see anything happening imminently on this one, because look, Ferguson is doing really well for Bologna. It would be a big price tag to even convince Bologna to sell as well, so right now I think it’s a bit of a non-starter.”
That represents a significant obstacle for Rangers.
Even if Ferguson remains open to the idea of eventually returning to Ibrox, Bologna currently have little reason to weaken their squad during the middle of the campaign.
Rangers missed their chance at Aberdeen
There is also a sense of frustration around Ferguson’s career from a Rangers perspective.
The midfielder came through at Aberdeen and attracted attention from a number of clubs before eventually leaving Scotland for Bologna in 2022.
Rangers passed up the opportunity to sign him during his time at Pittodrie and have subsequently watched his reputation grow considerably in Italy.
Ferguson has now made 140 appearances for Bologna and played a key role in one of the most memorable moments in the club’s recent history.
He captained the Italian side as they lifted the Coppa Italia last year, securing their first major trophy in 51 years.
His development has therefore made a potential deal considerably more complicated than it might have been when he was still playing in the Scottish Premiership.
Bologna would require a significant offer to even consider selling a midfielder who has established himself as an important figure at the club.
What has Ferguson said about Rangers?
Despite the latest transfer setback, Ferguson’s own words will continue to fuel speculation over a possible future return.
Asked about his career plans and whether a move to Rangers could eventually happen, the midfielder acknowledged the emotional connection while refusing to commit himself to anything during his time at Bologna.
“I had a long think after the World Cup about my future and I was a little bit unsure but nothing was ever that close.
“It’s no secret that I grew up as a fan and my family is involved in the club. It was a dream of mine as a kid, and that’s not changed, but I don’t want to speak about that while I’m a player at Bologna. In the future, you never know. It might happen, it might not, but it’s always been something in the back of mind.”
For Rangers supporters, that final admission will ensure the Ferguson speculation is unlikely to disappear completely.
The midfielder has made it clear that playing for his boyhood club remains something he has thought about, but there is no suggestion that he is forcing his way out of Bologna.
And with the Italian club determined to keep him and Ferguson performing regularly again, Rangers may have to wait considerably longer if they want to turn the long-running dream into reality.
January, at least for now, looks increasingly unlikely.
Nafisa
