Lewis Ferguson has confirmed he was never close to leaving Bologna this summer, despite reports linking him to a return to Rangers.
The Scotland midfielder, 27, remains under contract at the Serie A club until 2028 with an option for a further year.
“I had a long think after the World Cup about my future and I was a little bit unsure but nothing was ever that close.”
From Rangers to Serie A
Ferguson was released by Rangers at 14. He joined Hamilton Academical before moving to Aberdeen, and signed for Bologna in 2022.
He has captained Bologna since 2023, leading them to their first Coppa Italia title in over 50 years in 2025. Starts became scarce last term under Vincenzo Italiano, with Ferguson making just 17 in the league.
Three new managers in two months
This season has brought constant change behind the scenes. Ferguson has had three new managers in the last two months:
- Domenico Tedesco took over as new boss
- Raffaele Palladino followed
- Sebastien Pocognoli arrived with Scotland
Ferguson said the turnover felt like a fresh start each time.
“When I went back for pre-season, we had a new manager [Domenico Tedesco] and it was like a fresh start,” he said.
“And we changed again since [with Raffaele Palladino], so I’ve had three new managers in the last two months [including Sebastien Pocognoli with Scotland].”
Playing every minute this season
Ferguson has played every minute of Bologna’s five Serie A games so far this season. He said the decision to stay was about continuing a journey he loves.
“I had a long think about what my future was going to look like and in the end it was still at Bologna,” he said.
“I’ve loved every moment that I’ve had there. It was just about continuing that journey and seeing where it takes me.”
The Rangers connection
His father, Derek, and uncle, Barry, both played for Rangers. Barry captained and managed at Ibrox.
The bond runs deep. Ferguson grew up a fan and said his family is involved in the club.
“It’s no secret that I grew up a fan and my family is involved in the club,” he said.
“It was a dream of mine as a kid and that’s not changed but I don’t want to speak about that while I’m a player at Bologna.”
Managerial upheaval
The managerial upheaval has shaped Ferguson’s experience at Bologna. Each new boss brought a fresh start, and Ferguson has lived through all three within the last two months.
What happens next
Ferguson is open about the possibility of returning to Rangers, but he is not rushing it. He says it is always something in the back of his mind.
“In the future, you never know,” he said. “It might happen, it might not, but it’s always been something in the back of mind.”
The contract runs until 2028, with an option for a further year.
Source material: “Ferguson retains Rangers dream but Bologna exit never close,” the BBC.
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