Bologna assistant Andrea Tarozzi has publicly declared Lewis Ferguson “fundamental” to the club, dealing a significant blow to Rangers’ hopes of signing the midfielder.
The Scotland international has been strongly linked with a move to Rangers, with a reported £17 million deal having been floated between the two clubs.
Ferguson endured a difficult campaign last term, struggling for regular game time under former boss Vincenzo Italiano following his recovery from a serious cruciate ligament injury.
Despite those setbacks, the midfielder has made a considerable impact during his time in Italy, lifting the Coppa Italia and helping lead Bologna into the Champions League with a fifth-place finish.
New Bologna head coach Domenico Tedesco and his assistant Tarozzi have taken clear note of the captain’s contributions, and both appear determined to keep him at the club.
When asked about Ferguson’s role in the upcoming season amid links to Rangers and Atalanta, Tarozzi responded directly and without hesitation during pre-season training in Italy.
“This is more of a question for the coach, but I can tell you that Ferguson is a very important player for us,” Tarozzi said, leaving little room for interpretation.
“I can write that in capital letters. He’s a fundamental element. We know his importance to Bologna after what he’s done in recent years. I’m sure the coach will find the best position for him to showcase his qualities.”
Ferguson’s family ties to Rangers add an emotional dimension to the ongoing transfer speculation, with his father Derek and uncle Barry both having played for the Glasgow club.
It was previously mentioned that the Scotland international was determined to follow in their footsteps when he departed Aberdeen in 2022, though a move to Ibrox never materialised at that stage.
Rangers have since approached Bologna directly, with a player-plus-cash arrangement floated as part of discussions, potentially involving Connor Barron as part of the deal.
Rangers manager Derek McInnes is keen to strengthen his midfield options, with Ferguson joined on his list of targets by £8.5 million-rated Tromso midfielder Jens Hjerto-Dahl and Partizan Belgrade starlet Vanja Dragojevic.
Any deal for Ferguson could also depend on the future of Nico Raskin, who impressed for Belgium during the World Cup and has attracted attention of his own.
Bologna’s public declaration of Ferguson’s importance makes it clear that securing a deal this summer will require either a substantial offer or a significant change of stance from the Serie A club.
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