In what could be a bargain deal, Rangers and the 49ers have now reportedly set their sights on signing one of the most impressive young Scottish talents in 2026.
Update on Russell Martin's Rangers future
Following another defeat in midweek, this time at the hands of Genk in the Europa League, the pressure has increased on Russell Martin. Ibrox once again told the former Southampton boss exactly what they think and even the likes of club legend Ally McCoist could not defend the woeful start that the 39-year-old has endured in Scotland.
“I just felt, coming into the stadium tonight, it kind of blew me away. It was nothing like a normal atmosphere of any game, never mind a European game, here at Ibrox.
“There was an apathy, there was no life about the place actually on or off the pitch, which is really, really concerning. Listen, the manager’s in trouble, the manager’s in big trouble because something has to change, and something has to change dramatically. On the current evidence, sadly, I can’t see it happening.”
Meanwhile, according to Fabrizio Romano, Rangers are contemplating the end of Martin’s tenure, which has so far featured just four wins in 14 games. Sunday’s visit to Livingston in the Scottish Premiership is arguably the most important game of the manager’s Gers career as a result. Defeat there would surely spell the end.
But who could replace him? On that front, a couple of names have already been mentioned. According to recent reports, the 49ers could turn towards Steven Gerrard or Davide Ancelotti. The former manager was unable to return to the club amid contractual issues with former side Al-Ettifaq in the summer, but those have since been solved.
Ancelotti is also a name that the 49ers are familiar with and his position at Botafogo is reportedly far from secure. Whilst questions about Martin’s future continue to appear, however, the Gers are still planning ahead for potential transfer incomings in 2026.
Rangers eyeing David Watson swoop
As reported by TeamTalk, Rangers are now eyeing a move to sign David Watson when his current Kilmarnock contract comes to an end next summer. In what would be a bargain deal for one of Scotland’s most impressive young talents, the Gers could swoop in ahead of any other potential interested rivals.
What certainly helps their case is that Watson is reportedly keen on completing a move to Ibrox at the end of his current deal even as the chaos of Martin’s tenure continues.
Kilmarnock manager Stuart Kettlewell will be frustrated to lose one of his best players if Rangers swoop in, having handed him plenty of praise in the summer.
He told reporters: “We’ve asked him to do a different role to what he has done in the past. For me, his super strength has always been that ability to take off and arrive in the box, which I won’t take away from him.”
The future is certainly bright, but whether that future takes place at Ibrox or at Kilmarnock is the big question as Watson’s contract continues to tick down.