Lewis Ferguson to Rangers? Transfer claim emerges with crucial conditions attached

A future move to Rangers for Lewis Ferguson has been described as “inevitable” by Mark Guidi, although the Scottish midfielder may have another stop to make before potentially returning to Ibrox.

Rangers explored the possibility of bringing Ferguson back to Scotland during the summer transfer window, but a deal proved difficult to finance.

Bologna were reportedly looking for a fee in the region of £15-20million for the Scotland international, putting a move beyond Rangers’ reach at the time.

That meant Ferguson was unable to reunite with Derek McInnes, who previously managed him during his time at Aberdeen.

However, speculation over a possible future switch to Ibrox has continued, with January and next summer both mentioned as potential opportunities.

Ferguson’s own comments have only added to the discussion.

Ferguson has made his Rangers ambitions clear

Ferguson is currently back in Scotland on international duty and featured in the 3-0 defeat to Switzerland at Hampden Park.

His connection with Rangers is well established.

The midfielder grew up supporting the club and has strong family links to Ibrox, with his father Derek and uncle Barry both having represented Rangers.

Ferguson was also part of the Rangers youth setup earlier in his career before being released.

Speaking to the media this week, the 25-year-old described playing for Rangers as a “dream” and did not close the door on eventually making the move.

Those comments have led Guidi to believe a transfer will eventually happen.

The Sunday Mail chief football writer does not necessarily expect Ferguson’s next move to be Rangers, however, and believes the timing could depend on how quickly the Ibrox club can develop their transfer model.

Speaking on the Go Radio Football Show, Guidi said he was “absolutely certain” Ferguson would eventually join Rangers.

He explained that Ferguson’s situation at Bologna could make a future transfer possible, but suggested it might not happen immediately.

Guidi said: “I think it sounds like a transfer is inevitable, whether it happens in January or happens next summer. It might not be his next move, it might be the one after the next one.

“I’m absolutely certain at some stage Lewis Ferguson will sign for Rangers, I don’t think there’s any doubt about that.

“He wants it happen, it’s a case of when it happens, and it might be directly from Bologna but Rangers would need to get that business model going.”

Rangers need the right conditions for a deal

Rangers underwent a significant rebuild during the summer after McInnes took charge, bringing 14 new players into the squad.

The midfield was also strengthened, with Dan Neil, Cammy Devlin and Vanja Dragojevic arriving, while Nicolas Raskin remained at Ibrox despite speculation surrounding his future.

Ferguson would nevertheless represent a different type of addition.

The midfielder has established himself in Serie A and has become a regular part of the Scotland setup, giving him experience at both club and international level.

The financial side of any potential deal remains the biggest question.

Rangers were unable to meet Bologna’s reported £15-20m valuation during the summer, meaning the club would likely need their transfer strategy to evolve before being able to pursue such an expensive signing.

Guidi’s comments therefore point to two important factors: Ferguson’s willingness to play for Rangers and the Ibrox club’s ability to generate the funds required to make the move possible.

Whether that happens in January, next summer or at a later stage remains uncertain.

For now, Ferguson remains a Bologna player, but his own comments have ensured that talk of a future return to Rangers is unlikely to disappear.