Key Points
- Clarification Regarding Captaincy: The captaincy of Lewis Ferguson from Bologna was reported to have been stripped off, but the midfielder has clarified that Lorenzo De Silvestri is the official captain for the team while Lewis Ferguson is the deputy or vice captain.
- Media Misinterpretation in Scotland: The Scotland international said that the misunderstanding of the leadership at the Italian Serie A side happened in Scotland after talks with the manager at the club.
- Agreement with Rangers Claimed: This comes after the claims from the father of the midfielder, Derek Ferguson, that he reached a personal agreement to join Rangers in the Scottish Premiership this summer.
- No Formal Bid from Rangers: No official transfer bid from Rangers to Bologna has been tabled regarding the midfielder.
Glasgow (Glasgow Express) September 8, 2026 — Scottish international midfielder Lewis Ferguson has officially addressed speculation surrounding his leadership status at Italian Serie A side Bologna FC, firmly denying claims that he has been stripped of the captaincy following media reports regarding a proposed summer transfer to Scottish Premiership side Rangers.
What is the true status of Lewis Ferguson’s captaincy at Bologna?
Speaking directly to media outlets following recent matches, Lewis Ferguson addressed headlines circulating in Scottish sports outlets regarding an alleged demotion within the squad hierarchy. As reported by sports journalists for BBC Alba, Ferguson stated:
“It’s been picked up wrong back home because last week I was sent an article and it said there was a big change. To be honest, it’s not been like that. You know, when I came back in, I had good chats with the manager and he decided that he was going to keep the same sort of way that we have done in the last few years.”
The 27-year-old midfielder clarified that veteran 38-year-old defender Lorenzo De Silvestri has consistently held the main leadership title within the squad, while Ferguson himself has performed as the primary on-field leader due to squad selection routines. As reported by BBC Alba, Ferguson elaborated on the operational dynamic:
“(Lorenzo) De Silvestri has always been club captain since I have been here, and I have always been his vice. He’s coming towards the latter stages of his career now and his role’s obviously changed with being older and not playing as much. So on the pitch, I will take the armband but obviously if he ever comes on the pitch, I’ve got all the respect in the world for him so I’d pass it over.”
Although Ferguson did not wear the armband during Bologna’s opening league match against Lazio, he subsequently led the team out as captain in subsequent domestic fixtures against Atalanta and Sassuolo, confirming that his role as vice-captain and primary on-field skipper remains intact.
Explore More Rangers FC News
Olwethu Makhanya Earns High Praise For Strong Rangers Start Glasgow 2026
Sebastien Bassong Doubts Russell Martin Style At Leicester City 2026
Did Lewis Ferguson agree terms to sign for Rangers during the summer?
The leadership clarification comes directly in the wake of public disclosures made by the player’s father, former professional footballer Derek Ferguson, who alleged that a summer return to Scotland had been privately arranged.
As reported during an appearance on the Open Goal football podcast, Derek Ferguson claimed that his son had reached a agreement to join Rangers ahead of the new season. Speaking on the broadcast, Derek Ferguson stated:
“The thing with Lewis was, he agreed everything (to join Rangers). I’ve said that it was time for Lewis to change. He’s been there for four years at Bologna and it’s time for a new challenge. I had a sit down with him and said to him ‘it’s a hell of a challenge that (going to Rangers) but it’s your career and what you feel is right.’ So most things were agreed.”
Despite the personal terms reportedly negotiated behind the scenes, Derek Ferguson confirmed that no formal paperwork or financial offer was ever submitted to the Italian club by the Ibrox hierarchy. He added:
“But there was never a bid put in. They had agreed a lot of stuff behind the scenes with Lewis. He was up for it, which it was I am basically trying to say. He was up for going to play under Derek McInnes. He loves Del and has a lot of respect for him. He was prepared (to go) which I was surprised at. I said ‘do you not want to give it a wee bit more thought?’ but he said no, I’m up for this, I’ll take that challenge on.”
With no formal financial package presented to Bologna, Ferguson has remained in Italy to continue his career in Serie A, maintaining his established duties on and off the pitch.
Background of the particular development
Lewis Ferguson signed for Bologna FC in the summer of 2022 from Scottish Premiership side Aberdeen, quickly establishing himself as an integral figure in the club’s midfield engine room. Over four seasons in Serie A, the Scottish international established a reputation for high work rate, physical presence, and key goalscoring contributions, leading to him being awarded the prestigious Premio Bulgarelli Number 8 award for the top midfielder in Italian football during the 2023–24 campaign.
His elevation to on-field captain occurred naturally as veteran club captain Lorenzo De Silvestri experienced reduced playing time due to his age. During this period, Ferguson frequently wore the captain’s armband across both domestic league fixtures and European competitions, including Bologna’s UEFA Europa League runs. Rumours regarding changes to the leadership dynamic intensified during the 2026 pre-season period following managerial adjustments, alongside reported interest from domestic European clubs, including Scottish giant Rangers. However, official confirmation from both player and club confirms that the structural dynamic established between De Silvestri as overall club captain and Ferguson as active matchday vice-captain remains unchanged.
Impact on the Particular Audience (Bologna and Rangers Supporters, and Scottish Football Followers)
This clarity on both the leadership structure at Bologna and the failed transfer window dealings provides immediate stability and distinct outlooks for several key stakeholder groups across Scottish and Italian football:
- Bologna FC Supporters: The explicit reassurance from Lewis Ferguson regarding his role and respect for squad hierarchy provides necessary stability to the squad during the current Serie A season. Fans of the Rossoblu can expect their key midfielder to maintain a professional focus on domestic and European fixtures without the distraction of ongoing captaincy speculation or lingering transfer narratives.
- Rangers Supporters: The revelation that personal terms were reportedly discussed without a formal transfer bid being submitted to Bologna offers supporters transparent insight into the club’s summer recruitment strategy. Expecting an injection of proven international talent, fans may view this confirmed impasse as a indication that major cross-border transfers involving hefty Italian valuations remain difficult to finalize without significant outlay.
- Scottish National Team Followers: For supporters of the Scotland national team, Ferguson continuing in a senior leadership role within a top-five European league guarantees that one of the country’s prominent midfield talents remains exposed to top-tier tactical development and regular starting minutes ahead of upcoming international windows.
