Lewis Ferguson’s journey from being released by Rangers as a youngster to becoming a key figure in Serie A is a fascinating tale of talent, resilience, and missed opportunities. He comes from a family steeped in footballing tradition, with both his uncle, Barry Ferguson, and his father, Derek Ferguson, playing significant roles in the history of Rangers and Scottish football. From a young age, Lewis was surrounded by the game, with the Ferguson family’s connection to Rangers and football in Scotland a constant source of inspiration. However, as much as his family’s legacy seemed to dictate that Lewis would follow in their footsteps, his career path would ultimately take a different turn – a path that has led him to Bologna in Italy, where he is now one of the most promising midfielders in Serie A.
Lewis’ deep admiration for his uncle Barry, a Rangers legend who captained both Rangers and the Scotland national team, is well known. Barry was an iconic figure at Ibrox, and his leadership on the pitch was the stuff of legends. For Lewis, watching his uncle captain Rangers and lead the national team during his formative years left a profound impact. He shared in a recent interview how, growing up, Barry was his footballing idol: “I didn’t get to watch my dad as much I was too young to really understand and watch him when he was playing football,” Lewis said. “I would’ve been too young and he was coming towards the end of his career, so it’s quite sad that I never got to see him, but a lot of people have let me know how good a player he was. It was more easier for me to watch my uncle play.” Barry’s leadership on the pitch and his ability to perform at the highest level were qualities that Lewis would later try to replicate in his own game. Even with the legacy of his father, Derek, a former Rangers player, Barry was always the figure that Lewis looked up to the most, and it seemed natural that his future would involve following in his uncle’s footsteps.
However, despite this familial connection and his obvious talent, Lewis’ career would not follow the straight path to Rangers that many expected. Rangers had every opportunity to keep Lewis in their youth system, but they made the decision to release him at a young age, something that, in retrospect, is seen as a major missed opportunity. Lewis’ early career saw him move to Hamilton, where he worked his way up through the ranks and made a name for himself in the Scottish Premiership. It wasn’t long before he attracted attention from other clubs, most notably Aberdeen, where he would go on to play some of his best football. At Pittodrie, Lewis established himself as a dynamic midfielder with an eye for goal, quickly becoming one of the top performers in the league. Rangers, who had previously let him slip through their youth system, began to take notice of his progress. But despite repeated links between Lewis and a potential return to Ibrox, Rangers were never able to make a move to bring him back.
The missed opportunity to sign Lewis Ferguson while he was at Aberdeen was a topic that was frequently brought up by Rangers fans. Barry Ferguson, who has always been vocal about his support for his nephew, confirmed that Lewis would have loved the chance to return to Rangers had the club come calling. “He would’ve walked there,” Barry said. “He would’ve walked to Rangers.” The sentiment was shared by many Rangers fans who wondered how a player with such strong family ties and such a clear connection to the club could have been allowed to slip through the cracks. For Lewis, it was a case of the club not acting quickly enough, and Bologna, who had been watching his progress, swooped in to secure his signature in 2022 for a reported £3 million. At the time, it seemed like a reasonable fee for a talented young player, but few could have predicted the rapid rise that Lewis would experience in Italy.
In Bologna, Lewis took to Serie A like a duck to water. The Italian league, known for its tactical depth and emphasis on midfielders, proved to be the perfect environment for Lewis to develop further. He quickly adapted to the challenges of playing in one of Europe’s top leagues, and his performances began to turn heads. As he grew in stature, so did his influence on Bologna. This season, Lewis has taken on the role of captain, leading his team to new heights. Bologna reached the Coppa Italia final and secured a spot in European competition, a remarkable achievement that has elevated their profile. For Lewis, it’s been a journey of improvement, one that has seen him take his game to the next level. His decision to move abroad, away from his family and the familiar surroundings of Scottish football, has undoubtedly paid off. His tactical awareness, technical ability, and leadership have made him one of Serie A’s most exciting young midfielders.
Barry Ferguson, reflecting on his nephew’s rise, couldn’t be prouder. “You look now. He’s gone over to Italy, he had a good first season, this season he’s gone up a level, and now you’re talking £20m and upwards,” Barry said. “And you know what, he deserves it because he’s gone away and he’s worked hard, he’s gone into a different environment, away from the family, he’s knuckled down. I think his game’s improved.” It’s clear that the Ferguson family is immensely proud of Lewis’ achievements, but it also highlights the regret that Rangers fans feel about not signing him earlier. What might have been a relatively affordable signing at £3 million is now a player worth upwards of £20 million, and he is no longer available for a club that failed to recognize his potential when they had the chance.
For Rangers, the failure to secure Lewis Ferguson’s services represents a glaring missed opportunity. They had the chance to bring in a player with immense talent, a strong emotional connection to the club, and the potential to be a future leader. Instead, they allowed him to move abroad, and now they are left to watch as his career continues to soar. For fans of Rangers, the realization that they missed out on a player who could have been a key part of their midfield for years to come is a bitter pill to swallow. It serves as a reminder of the importance of recognizing and nurturing talent when it’s right in front of you.
Looking forward, while Rangers may have missed the chance to sign Lewis Ferguson, his story is far from over. He continues to impress in Serie A, and his rise to prominence is a testament to his hard work and dedication. While it’s impossible to know what might have happened had he joined Rangers, it’s clear that Lewis Ferguson is now firmly established as one of the brightest talents in European football. For now, Rangers fans can only watch as their former youth prospect becomes one of the best midfielders in Italy, with his stock continuing to rise.
As for Lewis, he will undoubtedly continue to build on his impressive career. While his journey may have taken him away from Ibrox, there will always be a connection to Rangers, and perhaps one day, the opportunity for him to return to Scotland will arise. Whether that means a future in Glasgow or elsewhere, the story of Lewis Ferguson is one of perseverance, growth, and potential – a story that continues to unfold with every passing season. It’s a reminder that sometimes the paths we expect are not always the ones we take, but they can still lead to remarkable destinations.