Derek Ferguson has admitted he held talks with his son Lewis Ferguson over his future but remained coy about a potential move to Rangers. The Bologna captain, who led the Italian side to Coppa Italia glory 12 months ago, found regular playing time harder to secure last season. His father and uncle Barry both played for Rangers, and it was previously suggested that Lewis was determined to follow in their footsteps when he left Aberdeen in 2022, but no move materialized.
World Cup Impact and Interest Surge
After impressing at the World Cup for Scotland, interest in the midfielder has rocketed, with Rangers reportedly monitoring him. A player-plus-cash deal has been floated, involving Bologna's interest in Connor Barron. However, Derek Ferguson was cautious when asked by Si Ferry on the Open Goal podcast about a return to Scotland. “I have just had one conversation with him. We had a good wee chin-wag; discussed a few things. Then I let him go, because he was going on a wee break with the missus,” Ferguson Sr said.
Relationship with Derek McInnes
Ferguson played under Rangers boss Derek McInnes at Aberdeen, and his father highlighted the strong bond between them. “He has got a great relationship with Derek McInnes, of course he has - there are certain guys in his life, George Cairns at Accies, because that is where he learnt his trade. Then obviously Derek takes him under his wing and looks after him with his backroom staff as well and brought him on,” he stated. Ferguson Sr added that his son is surrounded by good people, including agent Bill McMurdo, and that he no longer advises him directly. “I don’t advise him any more. He is clever enough, he is mature enough - I am just there to support him. But will I throw in my wee tuppence worth? Of course I f****** will. If I don’t see things that I like,” he said.
Bologna's Shifting Stance
While speculation about a move away from Bologna grows, the club appears to be changing its exit stance. A £17 million price tag had been floated for the Scotland international. However, following talks with new boss Domenico Tedesco after the World Cup, Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Bologna now considers the player “unsellable”. This shift could complicate any potential transfer, including interest from Rangers.
