Better than Dan Neil: Rangers line up move to sign the SPFL’s “best midfielder”
The summer transfer window may still be in its early stages, but Rangers have already made it clear that they are not planning to sit back and watch events unfold. After the disappointment of how last season ended, there is a growing feeling around Ibrox that major changes are coming. Supporters watched their team lose control of the title race during the final weeks of the campaign, and the frustration surrounding that collapse remains fresh. The pressure is now on Danny Rohl and the Rangers hierarchy to ensure that history does not repeat itself.
The arrival of Lawrence Shankland has already generated huge excitement among the Rangers support. The Scotland international was one of the standout performers in Scottish football last season and played a massive role in Hearts’ remarkable title challenge. Bringing a player of that quality to Ibrox is viewed by many as a major statement of intent. Rangers needed goals, leadership and experience, and Shankland offers all three.
Yet despite the excitement surrounding the striker’s arrival, Rangers know that strengthening the attack alone will not be enough. The midfield remains one of the most important areas requiring attention during the transfer window. There are still questions about the future of several key players, while concerns remain about the overall balance of the squad.
That is why Rangers have been linked with a number of midfield targets in recent weeks.
One of the names attracting significant attention is Dan Neil. The Sunderland midfielder has been repeatedly linked with a move to Glasgow, and reports have suggested that talks have already taken place. At one stage, it even appeared that a deal could be completed quickly.
Many supporters welcomed the links.
Neil is a player with strong leadership qualities. He captained Sunderland and has developed a reputation as a composed and intelligent midfielder. His technical ability and understanding of the game have earned praise throughout his career, and there is no doubt that he possesses qualities that could improve the Rangers squad.
However, as excitement around his potential arrival has grown, another name has quietly emerged as a serious alternative.
That player is Elliot Watt.
The Motherwell midfielder may not generate the same headlines as some of Rangers’ other reported targets, but there is an increasing belief that he could actually be the better signing.
It is an opinion that is becoming more popular among supporters and analysts alike.
The reason is simple.
While Neil possesses undeniable talent, questions remain about his recent playing time.
Football is a sport where rhythm matters. Confidence matters. Match sharpness matters.
Players develop through regular competition.
Unfortunately for Neil, opportunities have been difficult to find over the last year.
After Sunderland secured promotion to the Premier League, his involvement became increasingly limited. Despite being included in numerous matchday squads, he found himself spending long periods on the bench. Minutes became difficult to secure, and his influence gradually decreased.
A loan move to Ipswich was expected to provide a solution.
The transfer offered him an opportunity to play more regularly and rebuild momentum. While there were positive moments, he still struggled to establish himself as an automatic starter.
As a result, Rangers would potentially be signing a player who has spent much of the last season watching from the sidelines.
That does not mean he cannot succeed.
Many players have revived their careers after difficult periods.
However, it does create uncertainty.
In contrast, Elliot Watt enters the conversation from a position of strength.
The Motherwell midfielder has been one of the most consistent performers in Scottish football throughout the season.
Week after week, he has demonstrated exactly why he is attracting interest from bigger clubs.
His performances have not gone unnoticed.
Observers throughout Scotland have repeatedly praised his influence, intelligence and ability to control games from midfield.
Some have even gone as far as describing him as the best midfielder currently playing in the Scottish Premiership.
Such praise is not handed out lightly.
Scottish football contains several outstanding midfielders, including experienced internationals and title-winning players.
To be mentioned alongside those names highlights the level Watt has reached.
Statistics further strengthen the argument.
Numbers do not always tell the full story in football, but they often reveal important trends.
In Watt’s case, the figures are exceptional.
Throughout the season, he consistently ranked among the league’s top performers across numerous categories.
His passing accuracy was outstanding.
His ability to dictate possession stood out.
His creativity contributed to attacking play.
His defensive work helped protect the back line.
Most importantly, he influenced matches consistently.
That consistency is one of the main reasons Rangers should be interested.
Successful teams are built around reliable performers.
Players who can deliver one brilliant game before disappearing for three weeks are useful.
Players who perform every week are invaluable.
Watt belongs in the second category.
Watching him play reveals a midfielder completely comfortable controlling the tempo of matches.
He always appears available for a pass.
He rarely panics under pressure.
He understands when to speed up play and when to slow things down.
These qualities are often overlooked because they do not always generate spectacular highlights.
Yet managers value them enormously.
Every successful team requires players capable of maintaining structure and balance.
Watt provides exactly that.
His influence extends beyond simple passing statistics.
He reads the game intelligently.
He positions himself well.
He helps teammates perform better.
Those characteristics often separate good midfielders from great ones.
For Rangers, such qualities could prove particularly important.
The future of Nicolas Raskin continues to attract speculation.
The Belgian has been one of Rangers’ standout performers and naturally attracts interest from clubs across Europe.
Should he eventually leave, replacing his influence would become a major challenge.
Finding midfielders capable of controlling games is never easy.
Watt could offer a solution.
While he is not an identical player, he possesses many attributes required to fill a similar role.
His ability to receive possession under pressure, distribute accurately and maintain composure would fit naturally within Rangers’ system.
At 26 years old, he is also entering what many consider the peak years of a footballer’s career.
He combines experience with physical maturity.
Unlike younger prospects, he would not require years of development.
Unlike older players, he still has significant room for growth.
That balance makes him particularly attractive.
Perhaps the strongest argument in his favour is familiarity.
Watt already understands Scottish football.
He understands the physical demands.
He understands the stadiums.
He understands the opponents.
He understands the expectations.
Moving from Motherwell to Rangers would represent a major step up, but he would not face the same adaptation challenges experienced by players arriving from overseas.
Recent history demonstrates the importance of recruitment decisions.
Rangers have enjoyed success with certain signings but struggled badly with others.
Supporters have become increasingly frustrated by expensive transfers that failed to deliver expected results.
Every mistake carries financial consequences.
Every unsuccessful signing delays progress.
As a result, there is growing demand for smarter recruitment.
The pursuit of players already proving themselves within Scottish football reflects that thinking.
Rather than gambling on reputation alone, Rangers have an opportunity to invest in a player whose qualities are already visible every weekend.
That approach appears sensible.
Of course, signing Watt would not necessarily prevent Rangers from also pursuing Neil.
Modern football squads require depth.
Competing across multiple competitions demands options.
Danny Rohl understands this reality.
The manager wants a stronger squad capable of handling injuries, suspensions and fixture congestion.
Additional midfield reinforcements remain likely regardless of which targets eventually arrive.
Nevertheless, if Rangers must choose between the two players, many supporters are beginning to believe Watt represents the safer investment.
His performances speak for themselves.
His confidence is high.
His form is excellent.
His understanding of Scottish football is unquestionable.
Most importantly, he appears ready for the next step.
For years, ambitious players within the Premiership have viewed Rangers and Celtic as destinations capable of accelerating careers.
Watt now finds himself at that stage.
He has proven himself consistently.
He has earned recognition.
He has demonstrated quality.
The question is whether Rangers will make their move.
The coming weeks could provide the answer.
Transfer windows are unpredictable. Rumours emerge daily. Negotiations change rapidly. Targets appear and disappear.
Yet one thing seems increasingly clear.
Rangers are determined to strengthen their midfield.
Danny Rohl wants players capable of transforming the team.
Supporters want evidence that lessons have been learned from last season’s disappointment.
The club understands that standing still is not an option.
Whether Dan Neil arrives, Elliot Watt arrives, or both eventually wear Rangers colours, the decisions made this summer will play a major role in determining the club’s future.
For now, however, the spotlight continues to shine brightly on Elliot Watt.
The Motherwell star has spent the season proving his quality.
Now he could be preparing for the biggest opportunity of his career.
And if Rangers decide to act, they may discover that the Scottish Premiership’s most complete midfielder has been hiding in plain sight all along.
