Derek Ferguson urges Rangers to outbid £2.5m offer for Callum McGregor’s ‘carbon copy.’
There was a time when joining Rangers or Celtic was the obvious next step for Scotland's brightest young football talents.
Perhaps not anymore.
Thanks to the success of players like Aaron Hickey, Josh Doig, and Bologna captain Lewis Ferguson, alongside Napoli’s Scudetto-chasing duo Billy Gilmour and Scott McTominay, Scotland’s top homegrown talents are increasingly bypassing Celtic and Rangers. Instead, they are opting to accelerate their development in Europe’s major leagues.
Motherwell wonderkid Lennon Miller might follow this trend, a possibility noted by Rangers icon Kris Boyd.
Rangers have scouted the Scotland Under-21 international extensively. Yet, the first bid for Miller has not come from Ibrox but from Italy, as Udinese reportedly submitted a £2.5 million offer this week.
Udinese appears keen to replicate Bologna’s success with Ferguson, who transitioned smoothly from Aberdeen to Serie A.
Derek Ferguson Warns Rangers About Losing Lennon Miller
Lewis Ferguson’s uncle, former Rangers forward Derek Ferguson, has shared insights into the situation.
According to him, Lewis Ferguson recommended Lennon Miller to Bologna, identifying him as one of Scotland’s standout young talents.
“There was a conversation at the start of the season between Lewis and some officials at Bologna, and he mentioned Lennon,” Ferguson explained.
“I’ve been watching him for years. His talent is clear to see. Why are Rangers not going for him?”
Ferguson remains hopeful that Miller might follow in his footsteps at Ibrox but fears Rangers could miss the opportunity if they delay further.
Rangers’ Recruitment Strategy
Technical director Nils Koppen maintains that Rangers prioritize securing the best local talent, with the club currently pursuing Dundee’s Lyall Cameron as part of this strategy.
However, financial constraints might hinder their efforts to secure Miller.
Reports suggest Rangers couldn’t afford the £2.5 million required to sign Marko Soldo from Croatian side NK Osijek.
This raises concerns about their ability to match Udinese’s offer for Miller, leaving them to hope he remains available by summer.
Meanwhile, Ferguson and former Rangers attacker Gordon Dalziel believe Motherwell should demand more than £2.5 million for their prodigy.
“[Miller is worth more than £2.5 million] all day long,” Dalziel stated. “For an 18-year-old boy with his talent, £2.5 million isn’t even a starter. He’s only going to get better.”
Comparing Lennon Miller to Callum McGregor
Despite being just 18, Miller is nearing 50 Premiership appearances.
Known for his intelligence and technical ability, he has been compared to Celtic captain Callum McGregor by Open Goal host Si Ferry.
Miller’s six league assists this season and impressive ball-winning stats underline his all-around midfield quality.
However, with players like Connor Barron, Nico Raskin, and Mohamed Diomande already in Rangers’ squad, some argue that a more goal-focused midfielder like Lyall Cameron might be a better fit for Philippe Clement’s team.
Cameron has scored eight goals for Dundee in the 2024/25 season, bringing an attacking edge Rangers currently lack.
A Move Abroad?
Former Scotland international James McFadden believes Miller’s ambition and maturity may lead him to follow the Lewis Ferguson pathway, choosing a move abroad over playing for Rangers or Celtic.
“Sometimes young players in Scotland think, ‘Celtic and Rangers are the pinnacle. If I get there, brilliant,’” McFadden explained. “But I don’t think Miller is like that.
He’s more likely to think, ‘Where is the best place for me to play, progress, experience different things, and succeed?’
“Udinese have acted quickly, trying to secure him before others.”
For now, the race for Lennon Miller’s signature remains wide open, but it’s clear his future holds significant promise.
