NafisaRangers could have received a significant boost in their long-term pursuit of Lewis Ferguson after the Bologna midfielder made a revealing admission about his future and his connection to Ibrox.
The Scotland international has been linked with a return to his homeland on several occasions, with Rangers regularly mentioned as a possible destination because of his family ties to the club.
However, speculation surrounding a potential transfer has now taken an interesting turn after Ferguson was directly asked about the possibility of eventually playing for the Glasgow giants.
And his response will certainly attract attention among the Rangers support.
Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport in an interview reported by Sport Witness, the 27-year-old was asked specifically about Rangers and whether he could see himself moving to the club.
Rather than dismissing the possibility or giving an uncertain answer, Ferguson suggested that a move to Ibrox is something he expects to happen at some point in his career.
“Rangers? Let’s just say I’ll go there sooner or later; I know it’ll happen someday. The rest is today: now we’ve recovered and we have to take advantage of the momentum.”
Those are particularly interesting words from a player who has established himself in Italian football and become an important figure at Bologna.
Ferguson has been a regular presence for the Serie A side, making close to 150 appearances for the club despite suffering a serious knee injury two seasons ago.
He has also taken on considerable leadership responsibilities, captaining Bologna on numerous occasions during the current campaign.
His performances in Italy have helped establish him as one of Scotland’s most prominent midfielders, making the possibility of bringing him back to the Scottish Premiership an attractive prospect for Rangers.
The connection to Ibrox is also an important part of the story.
Ferguson has family links to Rangers through his uncle, Barry Ferguson, the former club captain and one of the most recognisable figures in the club’s modern history.
That connection has regularly fuelled speculation about whether Lewis could eventually follow in his uncle’s footsteps and represent the club.
His latest comments suggest that the possibility is much more than something invented by transfer speculation.
However, there is an important distinction between Ferguson expressing his belief that he will eventually join Rangers and an actual transfer being close.
Sport Witness believe a deal is unlikely to happen anytime soon, largely because of the financial obstacles involved.
Ferguson is currently at the peak of his career at 27, while his importance to Bologna means the Italian club would have little reason to entertain a cheap departure.
His contract runs until the summer of 2028, with Bologna also holding an option to extend it by another season. That gives the Serie A side considerable control over his immediate future.
Rangers would therefore face a difficult negotiation if they wanted to bring him to Ibrox in the near future.
His valuation is also expected to remain high, particularly if Bologna continue competing for European qualification and Ferguson maintains his current importance within the team.
The midfielder also spoke positively about the leadership culture at Bologna, highlighting the influence of his teammates Riccardo Orsolini and Lorenzo De Silvestri.
“Let’s say we’re a team of captains. There’s me, there’s Orsolini, and there’s the captain of captains, Lollo De Silvestri: he’s amazing in terms of his passion. He doesn’t play much, but this, the way he is, sets an example. He organizes, manages, speaks, helps.”
Ferguson was also asked why Scottish footballers have managed to make an impression in Italy.
“Because we are reliable, serious and have a like-minded mindset.”
For Rangers, the most important part of the interview remains his direct admission about a future move to Ibrox.
The club have been searching for quality and leadership in midfield, and a player with Ferguson’s Serie A experience, Scotland international pedigree and family connection would naturally attract interest.
Nevertheless, supporters should not mistake his comments for confirmation of an imminent transfer. Bologna are in a strong contractual position, and the financial demands could make any immediate move difficult.
But Ferguson has now publicly indicated that he expects to wear a Rangers shirt one day.
Whether that happens in January, next summer or further down the line remains to be seen. What is clear is that the midfielder has done little to shut the door on an eventual Ibrox return.
Nafisa
