Scotland Midfielder Makes Rangers Promise: Should Ibrox Wait Until Summer?

Scotland Midfielder Makes Rangers Promise: Should Ibrox Wait Until Summer? Derek McInnes watched his side take 25 shots at Hampden on Saturday, put only five on target, and still reach the League Cup final through Ryan Naderi’s 83rd-minute winner against Aberdeen. The manager called that return embarrassing, then admitted his attack sometimes needs an older head. His frustration came amid real progress. Rangers sit second in the Premiership with 24 points from 11 matches, four behind Celtic with a game in hand, after winning seven, drawing three and losing once. Early exits from the Europa League and Conference League qualifiers hurt, but Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises have backed the rebuild heavily, with Kevin Kelsy’s £9m deal the club’s second-biggest ever. Midfield also changed shape over the summer. Dan Neil arrived to control progression and scored twice in the 3-0 League Cup win over Celtic, while Cammy Devlin added bite alongside Nicolas Raskin. Connor Barron, Lyall Cameron and Nedim Bajrami all left on loan, however, and McInnes, who wants intensity, quick transitions and plenty of crosses, still lacks a physically dominant goal threat from deep to break down low blocks. A family link resurfaces in Italy That gap gives comments from Italy this week extra interest. According to The National via Gazzetta dello Sport, Bologna captain Lewis Ferguson expects to follow his father Derek and uncle Barry to Ibrox. “Let’s just say that sooner or later, I’ll go there; one day I know it’ll happen,” said the Scotland midfielder. Summer enquiries went nowhere, with Bologna reportedly valuing the former Aberdeen star at £16m. Reflecting on the Champions League, the Coppa Italia he lifted and a Europa League run ended by Aston Villa, he decided: “Bologna is my home. And I want to stay here for at least another year.” Should Rangers wait until summer for the Bologna midfielder? BOLOGNA, ITALY – OCTOBER 31: Andrea Zanotti, referee of the match talks with Lewis Ferguson of Bologna FC during the Serie A match between Bologna FC and AC Monza at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on October 31, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images) Yes, but the groundwork should start now. Ferguson’s late box runs, aerial strength and engine would give McInnes a target for crosses, while his leadership answers the call for experience. Reduced turning speed since his ACL injury and discomfort in low-tempo possession matter little in a league built on direct transitions. January would be the wrong moment. Any fee above £12m beats Tore Andre Flo’s club record, summer spending limits the budget, and Bologna would demand a premium for a 27-year-old who has played every minute of their 10 Serie A games, most under Raffaele Palladino. His output argues against overpaying. One league goal last season and none this term hardly guarantee 10 from midfield. The main business sits at left-back, where the £800,000 option on James Penrice, who set up Naderi’s winner, secures a proven starter cheaply. Ferguson turns 28 next August with one year left on his deal unless Bologna trigger their option. That shrinking contract, rather than family history, gives the club their leverage.