Ibrox legend Barry Ferguson admits he was ‘very surprised’ that neither Rangers nor Old Firm rivals Celtic made a concerted effort to sign Lewis Ferguson before his £3 million move to Bologna, speaking to the Go Radio Football Show.
Serie A is becoming something of a breeding ground for exciting Scottish talent. Josh Doig is making his mark at Hellas Verona, Aaron Hickey secured a big-money move to Brentford after a spell in Italy, while Liam Henderson now has over 50 top-flight outings under his belt in the colours of Empoli.
Ferguson joined Bologna in a £3 million deal from Aberdeen four months ago. The Lanarkshire-born youngster already has three goals in nine Serie A games for his new club, including a sumptuous long-range curler in the 3-0 victory over Sassuolo last weekend.
Some have even linked Ferguson with a big-money move to Juventus, although the credibility of those reports are up for debate.
What is not up for debate, at least according to Ferguson’s legendary uncle, is that two clubs closer to home should be kicking themselves as the Scotland international goes from strength-to-strength in one of Europe’s most competitive divisions.
Should Rangers or Celtic have signed Lewis Ferguson before he left Aberdeen for Serie A?
“I think they missed out on one in summer. People will say I am just saying this because I am related to him. But I thought (Lewis) would have been a right good buy for either of the Old Firm,” says Barry Ferguson, who won a staggering 15 trophies during two spells at Rangers.
“I was very surprised that neither of them came in and showed any interest. (Scotland) is a good market, and you should always look closer to home.
I know you’ve got to look down at England, abroad and in different markets. (But) I generally like to stay in our game up here.”
Rangers, in their defence, did try to sign Ferguson during the final few months of the Steven Gerrard era in 2021. Watford, meanwhile, made a £2 million bid which Aberdeen described as ‘insulting’.
“Lewis is a really interesting guy,” beams Bologna boss and ex-Inter Milan ace Thiago Motta. “He knows how to cover every blade of grass on the pitch very well. He’s a fantastic player, he applies himself well and looks at his team-mates to adapt.
“He is an example for everyone and he already speaks Italian quite well. Of course, he can always improve.”
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