Rangers Pursue £1.5m SPFL Star in Major Rothwell Upgrade
Glasgow Rangers are reassessing their midfield options as head coach Danny Rohl looks ahead to the January transfer window. Rohl, who took over from Russell Martin last month, is expected to make significant changes to the squad. He now has the chance to strengthen the team after a disappointing campaign in 2024/25, where Rangers failed to secure any trophies.
Concerns Over Joe Rothwell’s Performance
One player who may be replaced is Joe Rothwell. The 30-year-old midfielder joined Rangers from Bournemouth after Martin identified him as a key signing. Despite this, Rothwell’s impact has been lackluster, as he has yet to feature in the Scottish Premiership under Rohl’s management.
- Rothwell has not played since Rohl’s arrival.
- His last match was in early October due to illness.
- Rangers have won three league matches without him but only one with him in the lineup.
Statistical Struggles
Rothwell’s performance statistics further illustrate his difficulties:
| Statistic | Joe Rothwell |
|---|---|
| Tackles | 7 (Bottom 29%) |
| Interceptions | 8 (Top 29%) |
| Duels Won | 16 (Bottom 27%) |
| Goals/Assists | 0 goals, 1 assist in 8 appearances |
These figures demonstrate that Rothwell has struggled defensively, despite a modest contribution of one assist in eight games. This underperformance has led the coaching staff to consider other options.
Rangers Eyeing David Watson
Rangers have reportedly shown interest in Kilmarnock midfielder David Watson, who has emerged as a potential replacement for Rothwell. The 20-year-old has impressed this season and is believed to be valued around £1.5 million.
- Watson’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season.
- He is being pursued by Rangers, along with clubs like Hearts and Aberdeen.
Competitive Advantage
Securing Watson could provide a considerable upgrade for Rangers:
- Watson is ten years younger than Rothwell.
- This younger talent offers both immediate contributions and potential future resale value.
Statistics for the current season highlight Watson’s strengths:
| Statistic | David Watson | Joe Rothwell |
|---|---|---|
| Appearances | 12 | 8 |
| Tackles + Interceptions per Game | 3.1 | 1.9 |
| Goals | 3 | 0 |
Watson’s defensive and offensive contributions make him a strong candidate to enhance Rangers’ midfield. Rohl’s admiration for the player may help close the deal in January.
Conclusion
As Rangers approach the winter transfer window, the emphasis will be on improving the squad. The potential signing of David Watson could signal a much-needed shift in the team’s dynamics. Fans will eagerly await further developments on this front, particularly regarding Rothwell’s position within the squad.
