Bologna have maintained their interest in Rangers midfielder Connor Barron, with the Serie A side’s pursuit potentially influencing the Scottish club’s attempts to sign Rossoblù captain Lewis Ferguson.
The Italian club attempted to secure Barron’s signature in 2024 when the Scotland international left Aberdeen for Ibrox. Bologna reportedly asked the midfielder to delay his decision while they prepared an offer, but the player opted to join Rangers immediately instead.
Barron remains on Bologna’s transfer shortlist, and his representatives are aware of the ongoing attention from the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara. Rangers rejected a formal approach during the previous campaign under former sporting director Kevin Thelwell, making clear the player was not for sale at that stage. Whether the stance has softened under new management remains uncertain.
Rangers appointed Derek McInnes as manager earlier this summer, a move that could prove significant in any decision regarding Barron. McInnes worked closely with the 22-year-old during the player’s development at Aberdeen and is understood to admire his qualities.
Rangers enquire about Ferguson
The situation creates a complex dynamic with Rangers’ separate interest in Ferguson, who has developed into one of Serie A’s most consistent midfielders since joining Bologna from Aberdeen in 2022. The Scottish Premiership side have made an official enquiry for their former player, though securing his return would require significant investment.
Bologna value their captain in the eight-figure bracket, placing him beyond Rangers’ typical spending range without major sales. Compounding the difficulty, both Roma and Atalanta have registered concrete interest in Ferguson, creating a competitive market for his services.
Domino effect and Raskin factor
The futures of Barron and Ferguson may prove interconnected. Should Bologna succeed in luring Barron to Italy, Rangers could utilise any transfer fee to fund their pursuit of Ferguson, effectively swapping the younger midfielder for his more experienced compatriot.
An additional variable concerns Belgium international Nicolas Raskin. The Rangers midfielder has attracted interest from both Atalanta and Bologna, creating the possibility of multiple departures from Ibrox that would reshape the club’s recruitment strategy.
Neither deal is currently at an advanced stage, with both clubs monitoring developments as the transfer window progresses.