Why Watson on a Free Makes Sense

For me, Watson on a free is the sort of move Rangers should be all over. Not because it’s glamorous, not because it’s a headline, but because it screams low risk and high reward. When you’re trying to build a stronger squad without wasting money, these are exactly the deals that can shift the dial.

Production at a young age is hard to ignore

The basic point is simple: he’s 20 and he’s already got real senior football behind him. The numbers mentioned, 93 games for Kilmarnock with 12 goals and 8 assists, is strong output for a midfielder in a side that’s not exactly dominant every week. That’s the key bit. Goals and assists are harder to come by when you’re not camped in the opposition box.

And it’s not just a wee purple patch either. Over the last two seasons he’s racked up 35-plus appearances. Availability is a skill, and Rangers have been crying out for more of it in certain areas. You want players you can actually pick, week in, week out, when the schedule gets heavy and the pressure cranks up.

More 8/10 than 6, which suits what we lack

Watson being described as more of an 8 or a 10 matters. Rangers have often looked a bit one-paced in the middle, especially when we need someone to receive it in tight areas, drive forward, and link the play in that awkward space between the opposition midfield and defence. That “between the lines” option is massive in Scotland, where teams sit in and force you to be clever rather than just direct.

If he carries the ball well, presses aggressively and times his runs like the post says, that’s a profile you can use. Even as rotation to begin with, it gives you another way to play: more legs, more tempo, and someone arriving late in the box rather than standing off it.

Scottish depth, free deal, and a sensible punt

There’s also the bigger squad-building point. Rangers need depth that doesn’t feel like “bodies for the sake of it”. You want depth that can actually push the starters, bring energy off the bench, and handle the ugly away days.

Being out of contract in the summer is what makes this one so appealing. A free transfer reduces the downside dramatically. If it works, you’ve added a young midfielder with end product. If it doesn’t, you haven’t sunk a fee into it. Truth is, those are the gambles worth taking.

Written by Jason1975: 7 January 2026