The departure of James Tavernier has raised an interesting question for Glasgow Rangers boss Derek McInnes – who will replace the new captain of the Ibrox club?
The Gers have already seen experienced stopper Jack Butland move to Hull City, while it remains to be seen whether John Souttar will be in the starting line-up, having seen his contract extended until next summer.
It is possible that McInnes will look to his new squad instead, with many leaders already in the building, signing Hearts captain Lawrence Shankland from Tynecastle, while also bringing in former Sunderland captain Dan Neil on a free transfer.
|
More Premiership games |
|
|---|---|
|
The player |
Games |
|
Souttar |
255 |
|
Shankland |
162 |
|
Kelly |
152 |
|
McCrorie |
119 |
|
Miovski |
94 |
|
Barron |
92 |
|
Raskin |
80 |
|
Cameron |
72 |
|
Diomande |
65 |
|
Sterling |
50 |
Bologna man Lewis Ferguson could be the next player to continue the trend of experienced arrivals in Glasgow, although the Scotland star is not the only midfielder on the agenda.
The Rangers look set to complete six signings this week
A new-look squad is being built at Ibrox, and it's happening in quick time, with five signings following a disappointing end to 2025/26 under Danny Rohl.
An exit looks to be on the cards again, with Nicolas Raskin likely to be the frontrunner, after cementing his reputation at the World Cup with Belgium.
There has been talk that the 25-year-old could be involved in the aforementioned Ferguson talks, although doubts remain over whether the former Aberdeen man could return to the Premiership.
One deal that seems to make a lot of sense, however, is Rangers' pursuit of Partizan Belgrade star Vanja Dragojevic, with Ibrox News suggesting that such a move could be nearing completion.
Indeed, the suggestion is that the 20-year-old's transfer could be completed this week if all goes to plan, with the Serbian emerging as a 'concrete target' for the Light Blues.
The Old Firm outfit have already put in a bid of around £3.9m, although Partizan are hoping to raise the figure including add-ons, which are believed to be around £5m.
Why Dragojevic can be like Ferguson of Rangers
As a player who was on the books at Ibrox as a youngster, having also worked under McInnes at Pittodrie, the desire to bring Ferguson into the fold is no real surprise.
A man with Premiership experience – who has made 169 appearances for the Dons – the 26-year-old has once again reached the highest level in Italy, helping to guide Bologna to the Champions League qualifiers, while also captaining the team that wins the Coppa Italia in 2025.
Named the best midfielder in Serie A for 2023/24, Ferguson once again showed his class at this summer's World Cup, showing real brilliance in a disappointing team performance for Steven Clarke's men.
He is a true complete player, arguably the complete package, with the kind of signing that could boost Rangers next season.
Alas, if finances become too much of an obstacle, then Dragojevic could be the perfect alternative, a young representative of another rising midfield star for McInnes to build his side around.
Like Ferguson at Bologna, Dragojevic captains Partizan despite his young age, ensuring that he too can follow in the footsteps of the 'leaders' who joined the Glasgow club this summer.
Capped twice by Serbia, the in-demand number six has had a great season in his homeland, having made 35 league appearances in 2025/26, scoring seven goals and assisting his midfield.
He also created two 'big chances' and enjoyed an average of 0.7 key passes per game, always looking to keep playing when appropriate.
That shows Ferguson is at his best, with the Scot enjoying a similar record in a dominant 2023/24 season in Serie A, scoring and assisting nine goals, while creating two 'big chances' and averaging one key pass per game.
Both established, mature ball-handlers, Dragojevic lost the ball just 8.3 times when he was outfield, a record slightly higher than Ferguson's average of 8.6 in 2023/24.
It's also worth noting what they offer on the ball, with the young Serb averaging 2.3 tackles and interceptions, as well as 4.3 clearances, as scout Antonio Mango praised him as a “tough and physical ball winner.”
Again, that record isn't much different from what Ferguson, a Hamilton-born player who averages 1.7 and 4.6 in those two metrics, respectively.
That similarity certainly bodes well for the impact Dragojevic could make in a Rangers shirt next season, and at a time when McInnes and his teammates are looking for leaders and potential resale value, the 20-year-old looks to be the best of both worlds.
