Can Rangers sign Scotland’s Lewis Ferguson marquee?

However, perhaps most of all, Ferguson will return home a leader who has been at the helm of Bologna since 2023.

His uncle Barry was a legendary captain at Ibrox, winning multiple domestic honors and managing the team on an interim basis last year. Father Derek played for Rangers between 1983 and 1990.

Fans of the club have long lamented the lack of leadership in their squad, and with the departure of former long-term captain James Tavernier and the departure of goalkeeper Jack Butland, experience has left the squad.

The arrival of Lawrence Shankland will help fill that void and so will Ferguson. The Scotland duo, and McCrory, also fit the concept of needing a Scottish core running through McInnes’ squad.

A break clause in Shankland’s Hearts contract allowed Rangers to offload him for nothing, while McCrory rejoined for a reported fee of £1.5 million.

Both deals represent shrewd business for two Premiership-proven players, but it will likely take a hefty bid in Scottish football terms to bring Ferguson back.

Doubt surrounds The future of Nicholas RuskinA big payday for the Belgium midfielder, who is taking part in the World Cup, could complement a potential statement replacement in Ferguson.

The Ibrox ownership showed last season that they were happy to spend big, but whether they spent well was another debate.

Ferguson would be a more risk-averse option in that regard given his previous Premiership pedigree and subsequent development, as Rangers aim to avoid another trophyless season after finishing third last term.