Rangers set to sign SPFL's “best midfielder”.

The World Cup hasn't even started yet but Rangers have started the summer transfer window with a bang.

In fact, the Ibrox side needed to do just that. The way they ended the domestic season was horrible, giving up their bid for the Premiership title in the final few weeks.

So, the arrival of Lawrence Shankland is a huge improvement. He was one of the main reasons for Hearts' unprecedented title charge so to pick their best player is a coup.

That said, there was never really any doubt, right? The striker is a Gers fan and has been linked with a move to Edinburgh from Glasgow for years.

So, after Shankland, who could be next? However, Dan Neil's name continues to circulate.

Rangers could sign another midfielder alongside Neil

Shankland's move to Ibrox has been sorted faster than you can say the word Rangers. Within the space of a few hours everything seemed to be arranged and in place.

After receiving a striker, the center field is still a priority, regardless of whether Nico Raskin decides to leave Danny Rohl's side.

Neil could be the second coming of the summer. Reports from last week revealed that the Gers are in talks to sign the player from Sunderland and that the deal is nearing completion. There hasn't been much news about his departure this week so far.

The 24-year-old is not the only midfielder on the Light Blues' radar. Indeed, according to Chris Jack of Rangers review, Elliot Watt is also set to move.

Jack notes that the Motherwell star is one of the names being 'considered' but it is not yet clear whether the Premiership side has been made.

So, between the two, who would be a better acquisition?

Why Watt would be a better signing than Neil

On paper, signing a player from an established Premier League side looks like a smart move. However, the truth of the matter is that Neil has not played much football in the last year.

He will bring great leadership skills as he previously captained Sunderland but after being promoted to England's top division, the midfielder saw just 13 minutes in league action. He was in the matchday squad 22 times but was used as a substitute only three times.

A January loan move to Ipswich promised big moments for Neil and while he won promotion to the Tractor Boys, he never again got used to it, starting eight of his 18 games there.

There is another concern from fans when it comes to the players they have signed with Championship experience over the years. Todd Cantwell and Joe Rothwell are highly regarded at Ibrox.

It sounds silly to suggest that Neil will follow in the footsteps of those two but Premiership success matters and Watt is one of them.

It is very clear that Rangers need to improve when it comes to recruitment and by luring the midfielder to Ibrox, it would be a good first step in the right direction.

Heralded as “the best midfielder in the league” by commentator and writer Kai Watson, the numbers back up that claim.

He is not a ball winner but rather keeps things moving in the middle of the park. In that regard, he could make a good replacement for Raskin if he leaves Scotland this summer.

Averaging 97.1 touches per game in 2025/26, no midfielder has made more accurate passes in the entire league (2,347). Next up was Callum McGregor with 2,306. No player in the Premiership completed more long balls (6.6) per game while Watt topped the list for key passes per game. Only 14 midfielders have made more.

Furthermore, while average match ratings aren't the be-all and end-all, his 7.69 rating via Sofascore was the best of any player in Scotland's top flight.

This is a player at the top of his game. He has never been a backup player like Neil but he is acting and doing that in the Premiership as well.

Aged 26, Watt is now in the prime of his career and it seems the time is right for him to move to one of the big boys in Scotland. Rangers should be that club.