If a recent report from SunSport is believed to be true, Rangers are keeping close tabs on Elliot Watt, who has been majestic this season in Motherwell colours. The club have not made any official contact yet with the North Lanarkshire side for their prized asset, but could ramp up interest in the coming days, having impressed Danny Rohl with his composure in the middle of the park.
The 25-year-old former Scotland youth international spent his academy years at Liverpool, Blackburn Rovers, Preston North End and Wolverhampton Wanderers. The latter sent him on loan to Carlisle United in League Two to attain regular minutes, and eventually sanctioned a transfer to Bradford City in the summer of 2020.
Watt featured regularly in the lower leagues of England over the next few years with Bradford, Salford City and Burton Albion before plying his trade north of the border to join St Johnstone for the second half of the 2024-25 season.
Rise In Scottish Football
Although the Saints finished bottom of the Premiership standings, Watt’s excellence was rewarded when Motherwell snapped him up on a Bosman upon his contract termination with Burton Albion in the summer window.
The Steelmen, under Jens Berthel Askou, are in flying form, and Watt, with three goals and two assists in 26 appearances, has made his presence known week in and week out. He also netted against Celtic in their 2-0 victory on New Year’s Eve, and is now touted as a contender for a place in Steve Clarke’s 2026 FIFA World Cup squad.
Why Rangers Would Benefit From Watt’s Arrival
Rangers have fought back under Rohl, overcoming the nightmare of Russell Martin’s tenure. Martin, along with the then sporting director Kevin Thelwell, brought in several new names in the summer. But the majority of their recent recruits have failed to deliver, particularly in central midfield. Joe Rothwell and Lyall Cameron could be offloaded, with little involvement in the centre of the pitch.
Rohl is relying on Nicolas Raskin, Mohamed Diomande and Connor Barron, who flourished last season under Philippe Clement. However, the mediocrity of Kieran Dowell and the uncertainty over Bailey Rice’s future leave the German with not much choice while deploying a ‘double pivot’ in his 4-2-3-1 setup.
Predominantly a ‘number 8′, Watt is lauded for his impressive passing range, vision, and the ability to script attacking transitions from defence. He is also capable of controlling the tempo from the deep with long passes, distribution and all-round traits. He would improve Rangers’ game with his quality and creative spark, but the club must make a formal approach if they are convinced by his profile and attributes.
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