Lewis Ferguson no longer Bologna captain amid transfer talk and Rangers link

The 26-year-old played the full 90 minutes as the Rossoblu started life under new head coach Domenico Tedesco with a 1-0 home defeat by Lazio in their Serie A season opener on Monday night.

The former Aberdeen midfielder was named Bologna skipper three years ago and famously led them to a historic 1-0 victory over AC Milan in the Coppa Italia final in May 2025, securing the club's first major trophy in 51 years.

Ferguson retained the captaincy last season despite becoming a less frequent starter under Vincenzo Italiano, who left the club by mutual consent in June and was replaced by Tedesco.

In a notable change in his first match under the new boss, Ferguson did not wear the armband with Riccardo Orsolini instead leading Bologna out at the Renato Dall’Ara.

Tedesco had already confirmed to Italian media before the Lazio encounter that a new leadership structure had been put in place with veteran defender Lorenzo De Silvestri now first-choice captain, Orsolini his deputy and Ferguson third in line. De Silvestri did not start against Lazio, which allowed Orsolini to take charge ahead of Ferguson.

Ferguson's demotion follows a summer where he has spoken openly about rumours linking him with a move away from the club, with Rangers reported to have shown an interest. Juventus have also been linked in the past.

"I've still got two years here plus the option of a third year, so there's still a bit of time left on my contract," he said. "I'm happy here and I feel at home but then I'm always open to other opportunities. I would listen to what they have to say and that's whenever.

"That's the way I've always been since I was young. If any opportunity cropped up I would listen and then I would decide if it was right for me."

Speaking specifically about a possible move to Rangers, Ferguson added: "They’re my favourite team, and I’ve always said I want to play for Rangers. One day, even though I don’t know when yet, it will definitely happen if I get the chance.”

Ferguson established himself as a Scotland starter under Steve Clarke over the past year and was one of the more impressive performers for the national side at the World Cup this summer. He is expected to feature in new Scotland head coach Sebastian Pocognoli’s maiden squad for the Nations League matches against Slovenia and Switzerland next month.