Aberdeen manager Jim Goodwin confirms Lewis Ferguson poised to join Bologna

Lewis Ferguson is set to leave Aberdeen and join Bologna next week, Dons manager Jim Goodwin has confirmed.

The Scotland international will travel to Italy to undergo medical tests after discussions between the clubs, and is expected to sign a deal to move to Serie A.

Goodwin left the 22-year-old out of the squad for his side’s Premier Sports Cup opener against Peterhead, and explained that it was because the player was on the brink of a move abroad.

“It has been well documented over the last couple of days what is going on with Lewis,” the manager said in his pre-match interview.

“We are not going to pull the wool over anybody’s eyes, that speculation is true.

“Bologna are very interested.

“Lewis will go there at the beginning of the week and do a medical and if that’s all a success then Lewis will become a Bologna player.”

Ferguson began his career at Hamilton Accies and quickly marked himself out as a developing talent before Derek McInnes signed him for the Pittodrie side in 2018. The midfielder signed an extended deal until 2024 a year later and established himself as a central player in the Aberdeen team.

Transfer interest followed and the player was heavily linked with a move to England, pushing for a transfer when Watford had a bid rejected last summer and McInnes admitted the player was “destined to play at a higher level”.

Bologna have now stepped up their interest in the Scotland player, making their move after selling Ferguson’s fellow Scot Aaron Hickey to Brentford.