Lewis Ferguson says Rangers move was never close as he commits to Bologna

Lewis Ferguson is staying at Bologna. The Scotland midfielder says a move to boyhood club Rangers was never close this summer. His call, after weeks of talk, is simple. Italy is home.

Ferguson, 27, says his childhood dream of playing for Rangers has not changed. He was released by the Glasgow club at 14 and has never hidden what that badge means to him. But he says he thought hard after the World Cup in the summer and decided his future remains with Bologna, according to BBC Sport.

His route explains the attachment. He rebuilt at Hamilton Academical, then shone at Aberdeen before joining Bologna in 2022 in Serie A, Italy's top flight. He took the captain's armband in 2023 at just 23. In 2025 he lifted the Coppa Italia, Italy's main knockout cup, the club's first triumph in that competition for more than 50 years.

Last season was stop-start. He made 17 league starts under Vincenzo Italiano as he fought back to full rhythm. This season he has not missed a minute. He has played every second of Bologna's first five league games.

He is tied to Bologna until 2028, with the option of a further year. That deal gives the club control. It gives Ferguson security.

There has been change above him. Domenico Tedesco started pre-season as manager before Raffaele Palladino stepped in. Ferguson has kept the armband through it.

The Rangers chatter was inevitable. His father Derek and uncle Barry both wore the shirt. Barry captained the club and later took charge as manager. Current Rangers boss Derek McInnes, who coached Ferguson at Aberdeen, spoke in July of an obvious link.

Ferguson had already played down the talk in August, saying he had received no offers during the summer 2026 transfer window, the set period when clubs can buy and sell players, according to Yahoo Sports. Nothing changed before the deadline. No bid. No late twist.

What makes this stand out is the tug so many players feel. One club made him captain and gave him a medal for history. Another gave him his first dream and his family name. For now, Ferguson has chosen the present over the past.