Lewis Ferguson, the 27‑year‑old midfielder who currently plies his trade for Bologna in Serie A, opened up about the internal deliberations he has been having regarding his professional future. The conversation took place ahead of Scotland’s Nations League fixture against Switzerland, and Ferguson was candid about the lingering allure of a possible return to his boyhood club, Rangers, in Glasgow. During the summer months, rumours swirled around the footballing world that the Scottish international might be on the verge of a move to the Scottish Premiership giants.
Those whispers were amplified after Ferguson’s performances for Scotland at the recent World Cup, which put him back in the spotlight and attracted interest from several clubs, not least Rangers, who have long been linked with the player. Despite the buzz, Ferguson chose to stay in Italy, a decision that has paid dividends as he has become an ever‑present figure in Bologna’s lineup. He has not only featured in every minute of the Serie A campaign so far but has also worn the captain’s armband in each match, a stark contrast to the previous season when his involvement was more sporadic.
"I was a little bit unsure but nothing was ever really that close to be honest," Ferguson admitted when asked about the intensity of the transfer chatter. He explained that he had taken a "long think" about where he sees himself in the coming years, weighing the pros and cons of staying in a competitive Italian environment versus the emotional pull of returning to Scotland.
"In the end, it was still at Bologna. I've loved every moment that I've had there, so it was about continuing that journey and see where it takes me," he said, underscoring his commitment to the club that has given him regular playing time and the honour of captaincy.
Ferguson’s contract with Bologna runs for another two seasons, which means the club retains his services at least until the summer of 2026 unless a transfer is negotiated. When pressed about the possibility of a move to Ibrox, the iconic home of Rangers, he was unequivocal: the idea is "always in the back of my mind." He went on to explain that his affection for Rangers is not a fleeting fancy but a deep‑rooted part of his identity. "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, highlighting the personal and familial connections that tie him to the Glasgow side. Nevertheless, Ferguson displayed a measured respect for his current employer.
"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, but in the future you never know," he added.
This statement reflects a professional courtesy that many players observe when discussing potential transfers while under contract. He acknowledged that the future is uncertain: "It might happen, it might not, but it's always been something in the back of my mind." The midfielder’s remarks provide insight into the complex decision‑making process that modern footballers face.
On one hand, there is the emotional pull of returning to a club that shaped their childhood, often accompanied by the promise of playing in front of family and lifelong supporters. On the other hand, there are practical considerations such as the level of competition, career development, financial terms, and the stability offered by a club where they have already established a key role.
For Ferguson, the balance currently leans toward staying in Bologna, where he enjoys regular first‑team action, leadership responsibilities, and the chance to further hone his skills in one of Europe’s top leagues. His situation also mirrors a broader trend among Scottish internationals who have found success abroad but remain linked to the domestic league through personal ties.
Players like Andy Robertson, who left Celtic for Liverpool, have spoken about the emotional weight of returning home, even as they thrive on the bigger stage. Ferguson’s case illustrates that while the dream of wearing the Rangers shirt remains vivid, the pragmatic side of his career—maintaining form, contributing to a club that values him, and continuing his development—currently outweighs the pull of nostalgia. In the coming months, as the Serie A season progresses and Scotland prepares for further international fixtures, Ferguson’s performances will likely continue to be scrutinised by both Bologna supporters and Rangers fans alike.
Should his form remain consistently high, the interest from Glasgow could intensify, potentially prompting more concrete negotiations. Until then, the midfielder appears content to focus on his present responsibilities, leading Bologna on the pitch, and keeping the door open for any future possibilities that may arise. Regardless of what the future holds, Ferguson’s candidness offers a rare glimpse into the inner workings of a professional athlete’s mind, balancing personal dreams with professional duty. His story is a reminder that for many players, the love of the game and the loyalty to their current club coexist with lifelong aspirations, and that the ultimate decision often hinges on timing, opportunity, and a bit of luck.