Rangers have reportedly reignited interest in Motherwell midfielder Elliot Watt and this one feels like a very proper Ibrox type of signing. Danny Rohl loves technical midfielders who can dictate possession and control matches from deep. Consequently, the Elliot Watt Rangers transfer links have not gone away since January and they now appear stronger than ever.
Why Rangers like Watt
There is no question Watt enjoyed an outstanding season at Fir Park. Motherwell pushed into the European places and the midfielder stood at the centre of everything good they produced. Indeed, he earned a place in the PFA Scotland Team of the Year after consistently controlling matches in the Premiership.
Rangers scouts admire his composure. They also value his passing range and tactical intelligence. Moreover, Watt fits the current recruitment model at Ibrox because he has experience, maturity and room to improve further under stronger coaching.
Former Motherwell boss Jens Berthel Askou described Watt as a highly skilled passer who always makes himself available in possession. That description alone sounds exactly like the type of midfielder Rohl wants in his Rangers side. Rangers transfer news continues to point towards technically secure players arriving at Ibrox.
The Elliot Watt Rangers transfer dilemma
However, there is one major issue with this move. Motherwell reportedly want at least around £3M for the midfielder and that represents serious money for a player with only one standout Premiership season behind him.
That fee could easily divide Rangers fans.
Some supporters will see a composed Scottish based midfielder entering his prime years. Others will question whether Rangers should spend that level of money on a player who lacks explosive pace or elite physicality. Rangers recruitment strategy under the current regime already leans heavily towards younger assets with resale potential.
Nevertheless, Watt offers qualities Rangers currently lack in midfield. He keeps possession moving quickly. He reads danger early. Furthermore, he allows more creative players freedom higher up the pitch. Reports in the Scottish media suggest Rangers continue monitoring multiple domestic targets alongside overseas additions.
How Watt would fit at Ibrox
Realistically, Watt would probably operate beside Nicolas Raskin rather than replace him. Raskin attacks spaces aggressively while Watt sits deeper and controls tempo. Either that or Rohl plans Watt for life without the Belgium.
Nevertheless that balance could help Rangers dominate possession more effectively in Europe and against defensive domestic opponents. Additionally, Watt already understands Scottish football which removes much of the adaptation risk attached to foreign imports.
The Elliot Watt Rangers transfer story also makes sense because Rohl prefers players he can trust tactically. Watt rarely loses shape and almost never panics in possession.
Is this the right move?
There is no doubt Rangers need midfield depth. Tochi Chukwuani cannot carry the burden alone and has indeed struggled a tad, while Connor Barron still develops consistency at the highest level.
Therefore, Watt looks like a logical target. He may not excite every supporter instantly but Rangers often succeed best with dependable footballers who make the entire system function properly. Furthermore, coverage from the national press continues to suggest Rangers want proven Premiership performers this summer.
Whether Rangers actually pay Motherwell’s asking price remains another matter entirely.