Lewis Ferguson is a name that is not so much linked with Rangers as it does haunt the Ibrox club.
The now Bologna midfielder is the son of ex-Ibrox stars Derek Ferguson and the nephew of Barry Ferguson, ensuring there is no doubt which colour the Scotland international’s blood bleeds.
A bluenose from birth, the player’s uncle has previously claimed that Lewis Ferguson would’ve ’walked’ to Rangers if only the club had registered a proper interest.
Released by Rangers as a youth, Ferguson showed all the fighting spirit of his dad and uncle to fight back and build really a unique career in a Scottish footballing context.
Back in 2022, when Bologna signed Ferguson from northeast rivals Aberdeen, the Dons having secured the player from Hamilton Academical, Rangers really blew it.
A reported £1.7m fee has proved a bargain in Italy and – despite suffering a devastating cruciate ligament injury which could see him miss the entirety of 2024 – a recent Serie A award proves it.
Ferguson picks up top Italian award
Lewis Ferguson has been crowned the Serie A’s midfielder of the year.
Prior to that devastating injury, the Bologna captain was having an outstanding season with Thiago Motta’s side, firing the Italian’s towards a Champions League finish.
Earning huge plaudits for his all-action, box-to-box, fully-committed midfield style, Ferguson backed up the midfield bite with plenty of bark and scored six Serie A goals from the middle of the park this season.
The Bulgarelli No 8 award, named after Bologna predecessor and ex-Italy midfielder Giacomo Bulgarelli, is testament to the 24-year-old’s success.
The award has been won by the likes of Daniele de Rossi (Roma), Nicolo Barella (Inter), Manuel Locatelli (Sassuolo), Sandro Tonali (AC Milan) and Davide Fratessi (Sassuolo) in recent seasons.
Previously, the award was handed out to the best midfielder in football and decided by a panel of former players and managers.
The likes of Xavi and Andres Iniesta of Barcelona have previously won the award, whilst Andrea Pirlo (Juventus), Yaya Toure (Man City), and Paul Pogba (Juventus) have also lifted the gong.
Rangers-linked star out for ‘six to seven months’
Lewis Ferguson has also been speaking to BBC Sport after collecting the award.
Rangers fans might be cursing their luck with regards the midfielder, who for all intents and purposes was once open to a move to Ibrox.
Now Ferguson is being linked with a £22m move to Italian giants Juventus although the situation with the injury has obviously put the brakes on his progress.
Speaking about both the award and the injury, Ferguson is delighted to to pick up the gong and is focused on his recovery after surgery.
“It’s nice company to be in,” Ferguson said. “So many fantastic players have won the award.
“I had surgery three weeks ago. It’s been really difficult physically and mentally. I’ve never really had an injury before.
“But I’ve started to accept that it’s a long journey back and I’m ready to take it on.
“I don’t want to put a time on it, but it will be at least six or seven months before I’m training again.”
Lewis Ferguson has made 66 appearances in total for Bologna, scoring 13 goals and laying on five assists.
