THE IBRUX REVOLUTION: Why Motherwell’s ‘Best in League’ Elliot Watt is the Final Piece of Danny Röhl’s Rangers Puzzle
By 247sportcity| Wednesday, January 21, 2026
GLASGOW – The blue half of Glasgow is a cauldron of renewed belief. After a start to the 2025/2026 campaign that many fans described as “soul-destroying,” the Ibrox gates have swung open to a new era of tactical sophistication and aggressive recruitment. As the January transfer window enters its frantic final phase, all eyes are on a potential domestic raid that could define the title race: Rangers’ pursuit of Motherwell’s midfield maestro, Elliot Watt.
In a season defined by dramatic shifts in momentum, the pursuit of Watt isn’t just another transfer rumor—it is a statement of intent. According to seasoned journalist Andy Devlin, the deal is officially “one to watch” as Danny Röhl looks to add Scottish steel to his German-inspired tactical revolution.
The Röhl Effect: From Despair to Dominance
To understand why Elliot Watt is currently the most talked-about name in the Ibrox corridors, one must look at the remarkable transformation under Danny Röhl. When the former Sheffield Wednesday boss replaced Russell Martin earlier this season, Rangers were a club adrift, languishing in the table and lacking a coherent identity.
Fast forward to late January, and the picture is unrecognisable. Röhl has masterminded an incredible resurgence, culminating in a five-match winning streak that has seen the Gers hunt down the leaders. Rangers now sit just six points behind current pace-setters Hearts, with a mouth-watering clash against the Jambos still to come. With Celtic showing uncharacteristic inconsistency under their interim leadership, the door to the Scottish Premiership trophy—once thought bolted shut—is now creaking open.
The Scouting Report: Is Watt the Best in Scotland?
While Rangers have already been active this window—securing Andreas Skov Olsen (loan from Wolfsburg), Tochi Chukwuani, and left-back Tuur Rommens—it is the potential arrival of Elliot Watt that has the analytical community buzzing.
Scout and analyst Kai Watson hasn’t minced words, recently labeling Watt as “the best midfielder in the league” this season. The statistics back up the hyperbole. In 20 Premiership appearances for a high-flying Motherwell side, Watt has been the heartbeat of Jens Berthel Askou’s system, contributing four goals and two assists.
His crowning achievement came just weeks ago, being named the Scottish Premiership Player of the Month for December. Watt is not merely a “destroyer”; he is a deep-lying playmaker with a passing range that matches the demands of Röhl’s high-tempo, “heavy metal” football.
[Table: Elliot Watt — The Statistical Powerhouse (2025/26)]
| Category | Statistic | Ranking (SPFL Midfielders) |
| Pass Completion | 87.4% | Top 5 |
| Goal Involvements | 6 (4G, 2A) | Top 3 (Non-Old Firm) |
| Interceptions per 90 | 4.2 | Top 10 |
| Key Passes | 2.1 | Top 5 |
| Current Status | Player of the Month | December 2025 |
The Transfer Strategy: Act Now or Wait Until Summer?
The dilemma facing the Rangers board is one of timing. While Andy Devlin suggests the move might be “one to watch” for the summer, the current trajectory of the title race may force Rangers’ hand.
Motherwell, under Jens Berthel Askou, are enjoying a “provincial” purple patch, currently sitting in the European spots. They will be loath to lose their captain and talisman mid-season. However, the allure of Ibrox and the chance to work under a coach of Röhl’s reputation might be enough to turn Watt’s head.
Why Rangers might pull the trigger NOW:
- The Momentum Factor: With five wins on the bounce, adding a player of Watt’s caliber could provide the psychological “knockout blow” to a wobbling Celtic.
- The Hearts Shadow: Hearts are flying, but they lack the deep-squad experience of Rangers. Adding Watt compensates for any potential injuries in the middle of the park during the run-in.
- Tactical Fit: Tochi Chukwuani adds physicality, but Watt adds the “technical brain” that Röhl craves to unlock low-block defenses.
A Changing of the Guard in Glasgow?
For months, the narrative in Scotland was about Celtic’s dominance and Hearts’ surprising consistency. Rangers were the forgotten giants. But the January window has changed the conversation.
The signing of Andreas Skov Olsen was a coup, bringing Bundesliga pedigree to the wing. Tuur Rommens has stabilized a leaky left flank. But Elliot Watt represents something different: domestic dominance. He is a player who knows the league, understands the physical demands of a cold night at Fir Park or Pittodrie, and possesses the technical quality to flourish on the European stage.
[Table: Rangers’ January 2026 Business To Date]
| Player | From | Position | Status |
| Andreas Skov Olsen | Wolfsburg | RW | ✅ Loan Confirmed |
| Tochi Chukwuani | Midtjylland | CM | ✅ Permanent |
| Tuur Rommens | KRC Genk | LB | ✅ Permanent |
| Elliot Watt | Motherwell | CM | ⏳ Target / ‘One to Watch’ |
The Final Push: Can Röhl Lift the Title?
As the deadline approaches, the pressure is on the Rangers hierarchy to give Danny Röhl the “final tools” he needs. The board has already shown significant backing, but the acquisition of Watt would be the ultimate show of faith.
If Rangers can successfully navigate the final days of the window and secure Watt’s signature—either through a high-value permanent deal or a creative pre-contract arrangement with an immediate fee—the Scottish Premiership title race will become a three-way sprint to the finish line.
With the “inconsistencies” across the city at Celtic Park becoming more apparent with every passing week, Rangers are no longer just playing catch-up. They are playing to win. And in Elliot Watt, they may have found the man to dictate the tempo of their triumphant return to the top.