Bologna is eyeing Connor Barron as a transfer target, while Rangers provide a pathway to negotiate a deal for Lewis Ferguson.

Bologna’s long-standing admiration for Connor Barron could yet have an important role to play in Rangers’ transfer business this summer, particularly if the Scottish club decides to pursue a move for Bologna captain Lewis Ferguson. While no formal agreement has been reached involving either player, the continued interest from the Serie A outfit creates an intriguing situation that could influence negotiations between the two clubs during the transfer window.

The Italian side has tracked Barron for an extended period and has never completely cooled its interest in the Rangers midfielder. Even after he completed his move to Ibrox, Bologna continued to monitor his progress closely, believing he possesses the qualities required to succeed in Italian football. Their admiration has remained consistent despite changes behind the scenes at both clubs, and Barron continues to feature prominently on Bologna’s list of potential midfield targets.

Connor Barron(Image: SNS Group)

Before Barron joined Rangers in 2024, Bologna had already identified him as a player they wanted to bring to Italy. The Serie A club reportedly asked the midfielder to delay making a final decision about his future while they explored the possibility of completing a deal. However, with Rangers presenting a concrete opportunity and keen to secure his signature, Barron decided he could not afford to wait indefinitely. He opted to move to Ibrox, where he believed regular football and the chance to compete for major honours offered the best next step in his career.

Although Bologna missed out on signing him at that stage, they did not lose interest. Club scouts have continued to follow Barron’s development since his arrival at Rangers, regularly assessing his performances for both club and country. Their belief in his ability has remained strong, and the Italian club still considers him a player capable of strengthening its midfield in the future.

Last season, Bologna made direct contact with Rangers to determine whether there was any possibility of signing the Scotland international. The approach came while Kevin Thelwell was serving as Rangers’ sporting director. Bologna’s enquiry was designed to establish whether the Glasgow club would entertain offers for Barron or whether he was considered untouchable.

The response from Rangers was immediate and decisive. Thelwell made it clear that the club had no intention of selling the midfielder at that time, effectively ending any possibility of negotiations. Rangers viewed Barron as an important part of their plans and were unwilling to discuss his departure, regardless of Bologna’s continued interest.

Despite that rejection, Bologna has not removed Barron from its shortlist. The club still regards him as an attractive option and continues to monitor his situation closely ahead of another transfer window. Their admiration has remained unchanged, suggesting they could return with another enquiry should circumstances become more favourable.

Barron’s representatives are also fully aware that Bologna’s interest has never disappeared. The player’s camp understands that the Serie A club continues to keep tabs on his progress, although no agreement has been reached and his immediate future remains with Rangers. Whether Bologna decides to step up its pursuit in the coming weeks remains uncertain.

It is equally unclear whether Rangers would be willing to alter their stance this summer. While the club previously rejected Bologna’s advances, transfer situations can change quickly depending on financial considerations, squad planning and incoming opportunities. If Rangers receive an offer that matches their valuation, discussions could potentially take place, although there has been no indication that a sale is imminent.

The ongoing interest in Barron also creates an interesting connection with Lewis Ferguson, one of Bologna’s most influential players. Rangers have long admired the Scotland international, and any future discussions between the two clubs could involve both midfielders, even if only indirectly. Barron’s appeal to Bologna may provide Rangers with an avenue to open wider conversations regarding Ferguson’s availability.

However, signing Ferguson would be far from straightforward. Bologna places enormous value on its captain, with the midfielder regarded as an eight-figure asset. His importance to the Italian club has increased significantly since arriving from Aberdeen, where he established himself as one of Scotland’s brightest talents before making the move to Serie A.

Since joining Bologna, Ferguson has developed into one of the club’s standout performers and has earned widespread recognition for his consistent displays. His leadership qualities eventually saw him handed the captain’s armband, underlining the respect he commands within the dressing room. His performances have also strengthened his status within the Scotland national team, where he has become an important figure and was included in the country’s World Cup squad.

Bologna’s desire to keep Ferguson is strengthened by interest from several other clubs. Fellow Serie A sides Roma and Atalanta are both understood to admire the midfielder, meaning any club hoping to sign him would likely face significant competition. That level of demand naturally increases his market value and makes any potential transfer increasingly complex.

For Rangers, financing such a move could prove difficult unless significant funds are generated through player sales. Belgian international Nicolas Raskin has been linked with several clubs, including Hull City, Atalanta and Real Betis. Should Rangers receive a substantial offer for the midfielder, it could provide the financial flexibility needed to explore a move for Ferguson or strengthen other areas of the squad.

Lewis Ferguson of Bologna

Ferguson’s connection with Rangers manager Derek McInnes also adds another layer of intrigue. McInnes originally signed the midfielder from Hamilton during his time at Aberdeen and played a major role in his development into one of Scotland’s leading central midfielders. Their successful working relationship could make Rangers an attractive destination if circumstances ever allowed a transfer to materialise.

Away from those midfield links, Rangers remain active in the transfer market elsewhere. The club continues to pursue Partizan Belgrade midfielder Vanja Dragojevic despite seeing an initial £3.8 million offer rejected last week. Rangers have not abandoned their interest and are expected to continue exploring ways of reaching an agreement as they look to strengthen their squad before the new season begins.