Headline: Rangers Prepare for League Cup Final Amid Mixed Performances and Family Connections in Transfer Talks
Derek McInnes observed his team take 25 shots during their match at Hampden on Saturday but lamented that only five were on target. Despite this, Rangers advanced to the League Cup final with a late winner from Ryan Naderi in the 83rd minute against Aberdeen. McInnes found the conversion rate disappointing and recognized the need for more experience in his attacking lineup.
Amid this frustration, Rangers have shown signs of progress in the Premiership, currently sitting second with 24 points from 11 matches. They trail Celtic by four points but hold a game in hand, following a record of seven wins, three draws, and just one loss. Although early exits from the Europa League and Conference League qualifiers were setbacks, the club’s ownership, Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises, has made significant investments in the team’s rebuild. Notably, Kevin Kelsy’s £9 million transfer marks the club’s second-largest signing to date.
The midfield has also undergone a transformation this summer. Dan Neil joined to enhance ball control and already contributed two goals in a 3-0 League Cup victory over Celtic. Meanwhile, Cammy Devlin provided added aggression alongside Nicolas Raskin. However, the departures of Connor Barron, Lyall Cameron, and Nedim Bajrami on loan have left McInnes seeking a stronger, physically dominant presence in attack to effectively challenge low defensive blocks.
In related news from Italy, comments made this week have sparked interest regarding a family connection. Lewis Ferguson, captain of Bologna, anticipates following in the footsteps of his father, Derek, and uncle, Barry, to Rangers. “Let’s just say that sooner or later, I’ll go there; one day I know it’ll happen,” the Scotland midfielder stated.
Previous inquiries about Ferguson did not progress, with Bologna reportedly placing a £16 million price tag on the former Aberdeen player. Reflecting on his experience in the Champions League, the Coppa Italia, and a Europa League campaign that ended against Aston Villa, Ferguson affirmed, “Bologna is my home. And I want to stay here for at least another year.”
As for whether Rangers should wait until the summer to pursue the Bologna midfielder, experts suggest there should be early groundwork for a potential transfer. Ferguson’s ability to make late runs, aerial prowess, and high work rate could provide McInnes with a much-needed target for crosses, while his leadership qualities address the need for experience. Despite some concerns regarding his post-injury performance, the direct nature of the Scottish league may still benefit Ferguson.
December might not be the ideal time for negotiations. Any transfer fee exceeding £12 million would surpass the club record held by Tore Andre Flo, and Bologna is likely to demand a premium for a 27-year-old who has featured in every Serie A game this season. His recent output, with only one league goal last season and none so far this term, raises questions about the investment.
Rangers remain focused on securing a left-back, with an £800,000 option on James Penrice—who assisted Naderi’s winning goal—providing a cost-effective solution. Ferguson, turning 28 next August, has only one year remaining on his contract, unless Bologna opts to extend, which could give Rangers leverage in future dealings.
