David Watson: Aston Villa may be crucial in Rangers and Celtic’s pursuit of Kilmarnock star
Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Football Insider or go back to LFC Live.
Credit: Imago Mon 30 March 2026 20:00, UK David Watson is wanted by both Celtic and Rangers in the upcoming summer transfer window.The 21-year-old attacking midfielder has been fantastic for Kilmarnock this season and has netted three times in the Scottish Premiership.As a result, the youngster is seemingly one of the top talents in the Scottish Premiership and with his contract expiring at the end of the season, interest is high.However, the Old Firm sides now face significant competition, with il Resto del Carlino on 29 March confirming that Bologna had also joined the race.Now, Football Insider has explained why Aston Villa’s Europa League tie against the Serie A outfit could be crucial to Celtic’s pursuit. 🔄 Celtic Transfer Update 🔄 Breaking news on latest signings, departures, and contract news from the Parkhead boardroom. VISIT THE CELTIC TRANSFER HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Celtic and Rangers will want Aston Villa to knock out BolognaIn the race for Watson’s signature, European football could be crucial to attracting the youngster to each club.As it stands, it appears all but certain that Celtic and Rangers will be in some form of European competition next season, but it remains to be seen which one.David Watson’s Scottish Premiership stats this seasonPer 90 minutesGoals 0.12xG0.13Shots 1.42Chances created0.87Touches in opposition box 1.58Tackles2.06Interceptions1.03Watson has some impressive stats this season.
Credit: FotmobCurrently, the Gers are on track to qualify for the Champions League, while Celtic could be relying on a Scottish Cup title to get into the Europa League.However, either scenario isn’t ideal, with Rangers unable to reach the league phase this season after entering the second qualifying round, something they may have to repeat next season.In comparison, the Europa League isn’t particularly attractive for players, especially after Celtic and Rangers’ recent failures in the competition.— Kilmarnock FC (@KilmarnockFC) March 27, 2026 However, one advantage they do have over Bologna is the fact that they are unlikely to be in Europe altogether next season. Currently, they sit ninth, eight points off seventh place.While they are out of the Coppa Italia, they could still qualify for Europe through the Europa League, where they face Aston Villa in the quarter-finals.As a result, Rangers and Celtic will be hopeful that the Birmingham outfit can knock the Italian side out to boost their chances of signing Watson, especially as the winner of the competition goes into the Champions League.Who is winning the race for Watson?Football Insider exclusively revealed earlier this month that Celtic and Rangers are neck and neck in the race for Watson’s signature.Sources have indicated that the Killie star would love to play Champions League football next season, and this could prove to be the difference.Therefore, as it stands, Rangers may be winning the race, as they sit in pole position to achieve this feat going into the final seven matches.However, it remains to be seen if Celtic can leapfrog the Gers in the final matches of the season and secure his signature.