Rangers and Celtic are said to be ‘fighting’ over bringing Kilmarnock midfielder David Watson to either Ibrox or Celtic Park this summer, but Danny Rohl’s side may hold a key edge.
It could be a significant summer in the transfer market for both Rangers and Celtic following a disappointing 2025-26 season, that sees the Old Firm duo currently trailing leaders Hearts in the contest to win the Scottish Premiership title.
With just seven fixtures of the season remaining, Rangers and Celtic are three and five points respectively behind Derek McInnes’ men at the top, as they risk allowing a non-Old Firm team to claim the league for the first time since Sir Alex Ferguson and Aberdeen in 1985.
Both Rangers and Celtic know that comprehensive changes must be made at the end of the season to prevent a repeat of what has occurred this term, with poor recruitment and the wrong managerial decisions complicating their campaigns.
It has already been reported that Rangers owners, the 49ers, are planning a ‘major’ recruitment drive this summer to strengthen Rohl’s squad, while Celtic are likely to need to do the same once they’ve decided who their next permanent manager will be.
Rangers Battling Celtic to Sign David Watson
According to a report from Italy by Il Resto Del Carlino, Serie A club Bologna have been making inquiries over a summer transfer for 21-year-old Kilmarnock star David Watson.
However, Rangers and Celtic are also ‘fighting’ over the impressive Scotland Under-21 international as they look to reinforce their own squads, with Watson set to be available on a free transfer when his contract expires.
The Light Blues may well hold an advantage in the contest to sign the highly-rated midfielder, with previous reports suggesting that Watson is keen on a move to link up with Rohl at Ibrox, seeing it as a ‘career-defining’ step.
Rangers and Celtic Could Land Next Scott McTominay
David Watson is making waves in Kilmarnock’s midfield, having already accumulated 13 goals and six assists in 135 appearances for Killie despite his young age.
He has become one of the most sought-after young players in Scottish football, and it is no surprise that Rangers and Celtic are seemingly desperate to acquire him, even though he is yet to step up to the senior Scotland team internationally.
Because of his qualities and abilities in the center of the park, one football consultant and scout believes Watson could be the next Scott McTominay.
The 21-year-old has demonstrated that he scores goals, he carries the ball effectively and he wins duels, attributes McTominay has become renowned for.
McTominay is the reigning MVP in Serie A after helping Napoli win the Scudetto in his debut season in Italy, while he has continued to deliver impressive goal contribution numbers this term despite suffering from injury setbacks.
Whether Watson can match McTominay’s career at Manchester United and Napoli remains to be seen, but neither Rangers nor Celtic can afford to let the opportunity slip through their grasp, especially on a free transfer.
Let the battle commence this summer.