Lewis Ferguson, the Bologna midfielder, opened up about his long‑term career considerations during a period when Rangers showed keen interest in him over the summer. The 27‑year‑old, who attracted a wave of transfer chatter following his performances for Scotland at the World Cup, chose to stay in Italy rather than make a move abroad.
Since then, he has been an ever‑present figure for the Serie A side, featuring in every minute of play and wearing the captain’s armband in each league match to date – a stark contrast to the less regular involvement he experienced in the previous campaign. Speaking ahead of Scotland’s Nations League fixture against Switzerland, Ferguson admitted that he had taken a "long think" about his professional future.
"I was a little bit unsure but nothing was ever really that close to be honest," he said, reflecting on the myriad rumors that swirled around his name. He explained that after weighing his options, the conclusion was clear: staying at Bologna was the right choice for now. "I’ve loved every moment that I’ve had here, so it was about continuing that journey and seeing where it takes me," he added, emphasizing his appreciation for the club’s environment, the trust placed in him by the coaching staff, and the leadership role he has embraced.
Ferguson’s contract with Bologna still has two years left on it, and while he acknowledges that a transfer to Ibrox is not imminent, he confessed that the prospect is "always in the back of my mind." The midfielder’s personal connection to Rangers is deeply rooted; he grew up supporting the Glasgow side, and his family maintains ties with the club. "It’s no secret I grew up a Rangers fan. That’s absolutely no secret.
My family is involved in the club, and it was an aspiration of mine, a dream of mine as a kid and that’s not changed," he said, underscoring the emotional pull the club still holds for him. Despite this heartfelt attachment, Ferguson exercised caution when discussing potential moves while still under contract with Bologna. "But I don’t want to speak about that while I’m still a player at Bologna.
I’ve got too much respect for them," he explained, highlighting his professional loyalty and the respect he feels for the Italian side that has given him a platform to develop and lead. He left the door open for the future, noting that football careers are unpredictable.
"In the future you never know. It might happen, it might not, but it’s always been something in the back of my mind," he concluded, leaving fans of both clubs with a sense of hope tempered by realism.
Ferguson’s situation illustrates a broader narrative common among modern footballers: balancing personal childhood dreams with the practical realities of career progression, contract obligations, and the desire for regular playing time. His decision to stay at Bologna has already paid dividends, as he has become a mainstay in the squad, gaining valuable experience in one of Europe’s top leagues and enhancing his leadership credentials.
This exposure, coupled with his international experience for Scotland, continues to raise his profile and keep the conversation about a possible return to Scotland’s most storied club alive. For Rangers supporters, the notion that a home‑grown fan could one day don the famous blue jersey remains an exciting prospect. For Bologna, retaining a player of Ferguson’s calibre, especially one who has embraced the captaincy, is a testament to the club’s ability to nurture talent and provide a platform for growth. As the season progresses, both clubs will be watching Ferguson’s development closely, while the midfielder himself will continue to weigh his ambitions against the opportunities that lie ahead.
In the meantime, Ferguson remains focused on his current responsibilities: leading Bologna on the pitch, contributing to Scotland’s national team ambitions, and honoring the respect he holds for both his present club and his childhood dream. Whether or not the Ibrox dream materialises, his words make clear that the desire to return to his roots is a constant undercurrent, ready to surface when the right moment arrives.