Rangers have been linked with one of Scottish football’s brightest prospects in recent days, with the Ibrox club reportedly keen on securing Kilmarnock’s David Watson on a pre-contract agreement.
At just 20 years old, Watson has already amassed over 100 appearances for the Ayrshire side and recently captained Scotland’s Under-21s against Portugal, underlining leadership qualities well beyond his years.
The Killie Chronicle revealed earlier, that both Watson and former Rangers prospect Lewis Mayo were entering the final year of their contracts, with talks over extensions still unresolved.
Inside Ibrox understands that the Rangers hierarchy are monitoring the situation closely and weighing up whether to make a pre-contract approach in January. Such a move would represent smart business, similar to the captures of Connor Barron in 2024 and Lyall Cameron earlier this year; young, homegrown talents secured at a relatively modest cost.
Watson has consistently demonstrated his ability to influence big occasions. He has already scored twice at Celtic Park, including a dramatic late equaliser, while also finding the net against the Hoops at Rugby Park.
His European pedigree was established early, having scored against Cercle Brugge two years ago. A neat, composed passer with significant Premiership experience, Watson looks a ready-made addition to Rangers’ midfield.
However, his arrival would inevitably raise questions over the futures of Bailey Rice and Barron, who could slip further down the pecking order if the Prestwick-born midfielder makes the switch to Ibrox.
Rangers have too often allowed Scottish talent to slip away, Lewis Ferguson and Lennon Miller being the most glaring examples of recent years, but Watson represents an opportunity to break that trend.
Beyond his footballing qualities, Watson is regarded as an excellent professional with a strong mentality. Former Kilmarnock captain Isaac Vassell once praised his drive and work ethic, noting: “He works so hard. He is out doing finishing with me every day and he really, really wants to be a player. He’ll keep kicking on.”
That determination and commitment is exactly what Rangers fans crave in their team right now. With questions hanging over the current squad’s work rate and mentality, Watson brings the grit, hunger and willingness to push beyond natural ability that supporters demand.
This is a signing for the future, but one that should be pursued with urgency. Otherwise, as with Ferguson and Miller, Rangers risk watching another Scottish prospect flourish elsewhere, only for his ability, and eventual price tag, to climb well beyond reach.