Rangers Closing in on “Genius” Free Transfer for Kilmarnock’s David Watson

Rangers are reportedly on the verge of securing a major tactical coup, with highly-rated Kilmarnock midfielder David Watson set to arrive at Ibrox in a deal hailed as “genius” business.​The 20-year-old, whose contract at Rugby Park is nearing its final months, has reportedly made it clear he is “keen” on a move to Glasgow this January. While Watson could technically sign a pre-contract agreement for £0 to join in the summer, Danny Röhl is pushing to bring the Scotland U21 captain to Ibrox immediately. Reports suggest Rangers are leveraging Watson’s desire to join the club to negotiate a cut-price “buy-out” of his remaining months or a structured free-transfer arrangement involving future sell-on clauses.​A Successor to the Midfield Throne​Röhl is understood to be a massive admirer of Watson’s “energy and tenacity,” viewing him as the natural successor to Nico Raskin, who has attracted significant interest from the Premier League.

By securing Watson now for a negligible fee, Rangers are fending off interest from Celtic and several English Championship sides. This move follows a productive window that has already seen Tochi Chukwuani and Tuur Rommens arrive, signaling a major shift in Rangers’ recruitment strategy under the new regime.