Rangers could have to exercise patience if they want to bring Lewis Ferguson back to Scotland, with former midfielder Alex Rae identifying 2028 as a possible opportunity to complete the long-awaited move.

According to GlasgowWorld , Rae believes the Ibrox side should avoid paying Bologna’s current £15 million to £20 million valuation and instead monitor the midfielder’s contractual situation. Ferguson’s existing agreement runs until 2028, potentially allowing Rangers to negotiate a free transfer.

Speaking on PLZ Soccer’s The Football Show, Rae suggested that the summer of 2027 could become particularly interesting, as Ferguson would potentially enter the final 12 months of his Bologna contract.

He explained that clubs frequently struggle to retain valuable players when they approach the final stages of their agreements. Consequently, Rangers could redirect the money saved on a transfer fee into Ferguson’s wages and signing-on package.

There are obvious reasons why this particular opportunity attracts attention at Ibrox. Ferguson grew up supporting Rangers, while his father Derek and uncle Barry both represented the Glasgow club.

Rae said: “For me the only way that this materialises is, I think is 2028 possibly when he is out of contract, which is not long time in football terms. You come to next summer, which is what – summer of 2027; I think he might only have a year left. I know that they will be trying to look after their asset.

“But we have seen it time after time where people run down their contract. For me, that would be the perfect time because he would be 28, 29 in about 18 months. And I think if they could get him, then you could throw more money at the player if you wanted him that badly and you don’t have to pay the big fee. That is the only way I can see this materialising.”

However, his connection with the club doesn’t guarantee a transfer. Since joining Bologna in 2022, the Scottish international has established himself as an important figure, earned the captaincy and helped the Italian side qualify for the Champions League. His achievements include winning the 2025 Coppa Italia, becoming the first Scottish player since Graeme Souness to lift the competition.