Ferguson had Lawrence Shankland at the very top of his Rangers transfer wishlist, describing the signing as an absolute priority and a clear no-brainer.
The former Rangers man says he was drawing up summer transfer targets even as the season drew to a close, unsure whether he would remain in charge at the club.
Ferguson says he was looking for a core of Scottish players, natural leaders who understood the demands and standards required to be proper Rangers players.
He insists Shankland represented a free transfer opportunity that carried not even the slightest element of a gamble attached to it.
When things did not work out for either party, Ferguson says only those in charge of decisions at that time could explain why Shankland slipped through the net.
“Put it this way, he’s just banged home another 20 goals for Hearts despite being out injured for ten weeks of the season,” Ferguson wrote.
Ferguson says he genuinely wondered how different things might have been had Shankland been wearing a blue shirt last season instead of a maroon one.
He listened twice to the interview Shankland gave after signing at Auchenhowie on Tuesday, describing it as word perfect in almost every respect.
Ferguson was particularly struck by one quote from Shankland himself, who said, “No, I want to be remembered as a successful Rangers player.”
That attitude, Ferguson argues, is exactly the reason Shankland should have been signed in the first place, well before this week’s deal was completed.
Ferguson describes Shankland as the best forward in Scotland, crediting Hearts and his time at Tynecastle for helping his all-round game mature and develop significantly.
He acknowledges Shankland has never been lightning quick but argues he compensates with game intelligence, physical strength, and a reliable ability to score goals.
Ferguson notes that Shankland will now travel to the World Cup with Scotland, alongside teammates Liam Kelly, John Souttar, and young Findlay Curtis.
He sees that group of players as a clear sign that Rangers are moving in the right direction under their new ownership structure.
Ferguson reflects that Rangers have over the years been allowed to lose their identity, and believes having more players of Shankland’s character can help restore it.
He draws on his own playing experience, explaining that talented foreign signings always benefited from being surrounded by players who understood the club deeply.
Ferguson notes that Shankland was once let go by Rangers as a youngster and has had to dig deep through setbacks and tough moments throughout his career.
Now in his prime and back at the club he always wanted to represent, Ferguson says he is absolutely convinced Shankland will grasp this opportunity with everything he has.
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