A Lewis Ferguson transfer to Rangers has moved from fantasy to feasible, with Keith Jackson weighing in on the logistics of the move.
Ferguson has long been the dream signing for the Ibrox faithful – a player who came through the academy and has privately spoken about wanting to return to Rangers one day.
The 26-year-old has established himself as one of the most technically gifted Scottish midfielders of his generation during his time at Bologna, but the financial reality of making that dream a reality has always been the stumbling block.
Bologna fielded bids as high as £22million for Ferguson last year – a figure that placed him firmly out of the Gers’ reach.
The picture has shifted this season, as Ferguson has struggled for regular playing time in Serie A, and with his market value now under scrutiny, a window of opportunity may be opening for clubs willing to move decisively.
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Keith Jackson delivers Lewis Ferguson verdict as price tag emerges
Speaking on the Daily Record’s Hotline Live, Jackson addressed the Ferguson situation directly, and his assessment will temper expectations among Rangers supporters who had hoped for a cut-price deal.
When colleague Scott McDermott suggested the Light Blues could potentially sign the midfielder for £8-9m, Jackson was unequivocal in his response, dismissing the figure as having “no chance” of being sufficient.
The journalist placed the realistic asking price at around £12m at best, pointing out how the Scot was the subject of “mega” offers not so long ago.
He said, “Lewis Ferguson, they were getting mega offers. His value has come down because he’s not getting a game.
“The absolute best price you could get, and you’d be doing really well, would be £12m.”
Ferguson’s agent, Bill McMurdo, has indicated his client’s value has fallen to somewhere between £8.6m and £13m following his reduced role at Bologna, but Jackson’s reading of the situation suggests the upper end of that range is a more realistic figure.
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What could make this work for Rangers
The key to unlocking a Ferguson deal lies elsewhere in the Rangers squad.
Nicolas Raskin has attracted significant interest this summer, and a sale generating upwards of £20m – potentially closer to £30m – would fundamentally change the Gers’ financial position in the transfer market.
Sell Raskin for the right price, and Ferguson stops being a dream. He becomes a genuine possibility.
