The “Steelmen” Star and the Ibrox Outcasts: Inside Rangers’ High-Stakes January Reshuffle
The January transfer window is often a season of two halves: the desperate search for fresh blood and the ruthless pruning of a bloated squad. For Rangers, the week of January 13, 2026, has brought both narratives into sharp focus.
As manager Danny Röhl looks to close the gap at the top of the Scottish Premiership, a new name has emerged at the top of the Ibrox shortlist: Elliot Watt. But as the Motherwell standout prepares for a potential move to Glasgow, the club is simultaneously dismantling its infamous “bomb squad,” with at least one high-profile outcast set to follow the likes of Ridvan Yilmaz and Ben Davies out the exit door.
1. The “Ibrox Advocate”: Why Kevin Thomson is Pushing for Watt
The catalyst for the latest surge in interest is a public “pitch” from former Rangers midfielder Kevin Thomson. Speaking on The Breakdown with Charlie Mulgrew, Thomson—who often acts as an unofficial barometer for the Ibrox scouting department—laid out exactly why Watt is the missing piece in Röhl’s midfield.
”He can play. He can see a pass. I’m not so sure how mobile he is without the ball, but if he were to go to a team that dominates the ball more, he would flourish,” Thomson argued.
Thomson’s endorsement carries weight. He highlighted Watt’s “bravery” in possession—a trait that has been lacking in a Rangers midfield that has occasionally struggled for creativity in deep areas this season. By labeling himself an “advocate” for the move, Thomson has essentially validated the data-driven interest already coming from the Rangers recruitment team.
2. The Rise of Elliot Watt: From Burton to “Giant Killer”
To many, Elliot Watt’s rise has been one of the most remarkable stories of the 2025/26 season. At 25, the midfielder has finally found the platform his technical ability deserves at Motherwell.
The December Masterclass
Just hours before the transfer links intensified, Watt was officially crowned the Scottish Premiership Player of the Month for December. It was a month that saw Motherwell cement their 4th-place standing and Watt solidify his reputation as a “big-game” player.
- The Celtic Strike: Watt was the architect of Motherwell’s first win over Celtic in a decade, scoring a clinical goal in a 2–0 victory on December 30.
- The Numbers: In 27 appearances this season, Watt has registered 4 goals and 2 assists. More importantly, he leads the league in “progressive passes” and “passes into the final third,” highlighting his role as the league’s premier deep-lying playmaker.
The Full Circle Journey
For Watt, a move to Rangers would be a homecoming of sorts. Although born in Preston, he represented Scotland at the U21 level and spent time in various elite academies—including a stint at Rangers as a youth. Having played for Wolves, Bradford, and Salford, Watt is now seen as a “ready-made” Premiership star who wouldn’t require a bedding-in period.
3. The “Bomb Squad” Breakdown: Clearing the Decks
For every incoming star, there must be an outgoing casualty. Danny Röhl has been ruthless since his arrival, identifying a group of five players—dubbed the “bomb squad”—who have been told they have no future at the club.
The news on January 13 confirms that the group is set to “lose a member” this week. While the identity of the departing player is being kept under wraps, speculation points toward Kieran Dowell or Nedim Bajrami.
- The Situation: Bajrami, a high-profile signing under Philippe Clement, has failed to start a single Premiership game this season.
- The Goal: By moving these high-earners off the wage bill, Rangers are creating the financial headroom to meet Motherwell’s £1.5m–£2m valuation of Watt.
[Table: Rangers’ January In-Out Balance]
| Potential Incomings | Status | Estimated Fee |
| :— | :— | :— |
| Tochi Chukwuani | Medical Pending | £4m |
| Tuur Rommens | Medical Completed | £3.5m |
| Elliot Watt | Shortlisted | £1.5m |
4. Tactical Analysis: How Watt Fits the Röhl Era
Danny Röhl’s system at Rangers relies on “The Double Pivot”—two midfielders who can protect the back four but also transition the ball rapidly.
- The Problem: Rangers have relied heavily on Connor Barron, but have lacked a partner with the passing range to unlock low blocks.
- The Solution: Watt is a high-volume passer. He currently averages 85 touches per 90 minutes, the highest for any non-Old Firm player. In Röhl’s 4-2-3-1, Watt would act as the “quarterback,” allowing more advanced players like Andreas Skov Olsen (another major Rangers target) the freedom to stay high and wide.
5. Verdict: A Statement of Intent
The pursuit of Elliot Watt signifies a shift in Rangers’ recruitment philosophy. Instead of gambling on unproven talents from abroad, the club is targeting the “Best of the Rest” in Scotland.
If Rangers can successfully offload their “bomb squad” and secure Watt alongside the imminent arrivals of Tochi Chukwuani and Tuur Rommens, they will have completed a £10 million midfield and defensive overhaul in a single window. For Danny Röhl, January 2026 isn’t just about survival—it’s about a title charge