--- title: "San Jose close in on Gunn as Rangers eye Ferguson" description: "Gunn heads to MLS while Rangers haggle over Bologna's Ferguson and McGregor returns to Ibrox." url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/san-jose-close-in-on-deal-for-scotland-s-gunn-gossip-89533fba published: 2026-07-02T19:55:46.019+00:00 updated: 2026-07-02T19:55:46.019+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["soccer"] --- # San Jose close in on Gunn as Rangers eye Ferguson > Gunn heads to MLS while Rangers haggle over Bologna's Ferguson and McGregor returns to Ibrox. San Jose Earthquakes are finalizing a deal to sign Scotland international goalkeeper Angus Gunn following his release from Nottingham Forest, marking a significant shift in the shot-stopper's career trajectory. Across the Atlantic, Rangers are aggressively pursuing Bologna midfielder Lewis Ferguson, though the Italian club’s steep valuation threatens to derail negotiations. The Ibrox club is also reinforcing its backroom staff with the return of club legend Allan McGregor as a goalkeeper coach, bringing veteran experience to the setup. For Gunn, this transfer represents a calculated reset. After stagnating behind established number ones in the Premier League, a move to California offers the guaranteed minutes essential for reigniting his international prospects. San Jose is betting on Premier League pedigree translating directly to MLS stability, a strategy that bypasses the developmental risks of younger prospects in favor of immediate impact between the posts. The situation at Ibrox exposes the harsh economic realities facing Scottish clubs attempting to shop in Italy’s top tier. Bologna’s refusal to budge on price reflects the inflated market value of Scottish talent abroad, leaving Rangers to weigh the cost of strengthening their spine against the risk of financial imbalance. Securing Ferguson would be a statement of intent, but only if the fee does not compromise the club's broader fiscal health. The pursuit of Ferguson isn't merely a vanity project; it addresses a tactical void that plagued Rangers' midfield creativity last season. Ferguson's development in Serie A has equipped him with a tactical discipline and technical proficiency that is scarce within the Scottish domestic market. Coupled with McGregor's return, which provides a psychological anchor in the dressing room, Rangers are attempting to construct a support system that maximizes on-pitch performance while maintaining the club's intense standards. For San Jose, the Gunn acquisition is a signal of intent to escape the basement of the Western Conference. Relying on unproven talent has yielded inconsistent results for the Earthquakes, so importing a keeper with Premier League experience removes the variance from the most critical position on the pitch. It is a low-risk, high-reward play for the franchise, which needs immediate stability to build a competitive roster around rather than gambling on potential that may take years to mature. While specific quotes from the negotiating table remain under wraps, the move signals a clear intent from San Jose to bolster their defensive ranks with proven European talent. Rangers’ interest in Ferguson underscores their desire to add creativity to the midfield, yet the financial demands from Bologna suggest a protracted standoff that could force the Scottish giants to look elsewhere. Expect San Jose to announce Gunn’s signing imminently as the MLS transfer window progresses, while Rangers must decide whether to meet Bologna’s asking price or pivot to alternative targets before the window slams shut. ## Why this matters Gunn’s potential switch to MLS underscores the growing allure of North American soccer for established European players seeking regular minutes. It validates the league’s trajectory as a destination for international talent. Conversely, Rangers’ rigid stance on transfer fees for Lewis Ferguson highlights the financial tightrope Scottish clubs walk. Overpaying for assets risks future instability, yet failing to strengthen the midfield could jeopardize their domestic dominance and European ambitions. ## Frequently asked ### Why is Angus Gunn leaving Nottingham Forest? Gunn was released by Nottingham Forest, likely due to a lack of first-team opportunities. He is now seeking regular playing time, which a move to the San Jose Earthquakes would provide. ### What is the issue with Rangers signing Lewis Ferguson? Rangers want the Bologna midfielder, but the Italian club has set a high asking price. Rangers are hesitant to meet this valuation, creating a standoff that could prevent the transfer from happening. ### What is Allan McGregor’s new role at Rangers? The former Rangers goalkeeper has returned to Ibrox not as a player, but as a goalkeeper coach. He will bring his vast experience to mentor the current goalkeeping squad at the club. ## Sources & Citations - [San Jose close in on deal for Scotland's Gunn - gossip](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cq61qdql7e0o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss) — BBC Football (2026-07-02) --- Cite: San Jose close in on Gunn as Rangers eye Ferguson. Sportopod, 2026-07-02. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/san-jose-close-in-on-deal-for-scotland-s-gunn-gossip-89533fba