Glasgow Rangers are moving quickly this summer, clearly determined to build an experienced Scottish backbone under new manager Derek McInnes.
McInnes’ appointment had been widely anticipated, much like the arrival of his former Hearts captain Lawrence Shankland. The 30-year-old Scotland striker eventually made a surprise, late switch to Ibrox—after being strongly linked with the move last summer—and has already set the tone for Rangers’ transfer business this window.
McInnes and his staff have now sealed a deal to bring back 28-year-old defender Ross McCrorie, five years after he left the club. Like Shankland, McCrorie is familiar with the 54-year-old manager’s approach, having played under him at Aberdeen, and becomes Rangers’ second summer signing as a versatile full-back.
A third arrival could be on the cards for another player with ties to both Rangers and Aberdeen: Lewis Ferguson. However, he’s not the only midfield option currently being considered.
Rangers exploring alternative to Lewis Ferguson
Steve Clarke’s national side appear destined for an early and disappointing exit from this summer’s World Cup, though Ferguson has impressed in central midfield, making the most of his opportunity after Billy Gilmour’s pre-tournament injury. The 26-year-old’s performances in the group stage have only intensified calls for a reunion with McInnes, though his future at Bologna remains uncertain.
Reports suggest that with the Serie A club keen on signing Nicolas Raskin, a swap deal involving Ferguson could be possible. Yet it’s unclear whether Bologna would approve a sale—or how expensive such a transfer might be. Regardless of Raskin’s departure, midfield reinforcements are essential at Ibrox, whether that means Ferguson or other targets. Journalist Ben Jacobs has indicated that Rangers could revive their interest in Dan Neil.
According to Jacobs, the Light Blues are once again exploring a move for the 24-year-old, having previously shown interest in January before Neil joined Ipswich Town on loan. He is now expected to be available on a free transfer following his impending exit from Sunderland, with Hull City and West Ham United also in the running.
Why Neil could be Ferguson 2.0 for McInnes
A return to Ibrox would be a fitting chapter for Ferguson, who was released by the club at just 14 before building a strong career at Hamilton, Aberdeen, and now Bologna. Should Raskin leave for a substantial fee as anticipated, the experienced Scotsman would be an excellent replacement—especially given his prior connection with McInnes and his track record at Pittodrie.
However, with suggestions that Ferguson could cost upwards of £12 million, the deal still seems unlikely, even if he remains the ideal target. In that case, moving for Neil could prove a shrewd alternative—Football Transfers has noted that Ferguson is statistically and stylistically the most similar player to Neil in Europe.
It’s been a tough year for the Englishman at Sunderland, having been quickly sidelined by manager Regis Le Bris after the club’s promotion to the Premier League. Yet Neil had captained the Black Cats to promotion in 2024/25, starting all 44 of his Championship appearances that season.
Clearly a dressing-room leader—much like Ferguson at Bologna—Neil is a composed, controlled presence in front of the defence, operating effectively as a number six or number eight. In that 2024/25 campaign, he scored and assisted five goals, created four ‘big chances’, and maintained an 84% pass accuracy rate, though his defensive contributions were arguably more impressive.
He mirrors Ferguson in his work rate, averaging 2.9 tackles and interceptions and 5.7 ball recoveries per game that year. By comparison, during his standout 2023/24 season at Bologna—when he was named Serie A’s Midfielder of the Year—Ferguson averaged 1.7 tackles and interceptions and 4.6 recoveries.
Neither player tends to grab headlines, but both have been vital to their clubs’ recent successes, even if 2025/26 proved quieter for each. The thought of them lining up together at Ibrox is an exciting one, especially given the recent turnover in Rangers’ midfield.
Yet if a deal for Ferguson proves too expensive, securing Neil on a free transfer would still be a major achievement in itself.
