Rangers look to be closing in on the permanent signing of Joe Rothwell from Bournemouth, in a move that’s gaining momentum on and off the pitch. The 30-year-old midfielder, who impressed during recent loan spells at Southampton and Leeds United, has reportedly agreed terms with the Ibrox side—opting to join Russell Martin’s rebuild ahead of the new season.
And there’s a lot to like about this one.
Familiar Face for Russell Martin
Rothwell has already played under Russell Martin at Southampton, where he contributed to their promotion campaign in the second half of the 2023/24 season. His understanding of Martin’s tactical demands—especially in a possession-based system—makes him a smart and safe addition as the new Gers boss looks to embed his style quickly.
His most recent loan at Leeds United saw him make 39 appearances, becoming a key part of their midfield in a title-winning season. That move, and this one, are tied by a deeper connection: both Leeds and Rangers are now under the ownership of 49ers Enterprises.
Rothwell’s signing appears to be an early example of shared scouting insights and player profiling across the group. It’s a move that shows joined-up thinking—and offers Rangers a player already aligned with their new structure.
Set-Piece Specialist
One of Rothwell’s standout attributes is his exceptional set-piece delivery. Whether it’s corners, wide free-kicks or direct dead balls, Rothwell has consistently produced dangerous deliveries that lead to goals.
His time at Leeds under Daniel Farke saw him regularly preferred for corner and free-kick duties, with several key assists coming from his boot. In one standout match against Sunderland, he provided a pinpoint assist from a dead ball and was lauded by Farke as “our best set-piece taker.”
With Rangers looking to sharpen their attacking threat in tight games and in Europe, Rothwell’s technical ability could prove vital.
What Can Rangers Fans Expect from Joe Rothwell?
- A tidy, experienced midfielder comfortable in tight spaces.
- Strong ball-carrying ability and the vision to unlock defences.
- A trusted player who already knows what Russell Martin wants.
- A dangerous option at set pieces, especially corners and wide free-kicks.
- Someone who has proven himself across the Championship and Premier League, with promotion pedigree.
While the deal hasn’t been officially confirmed yet, reports from Sky Sports News and STV suggest final negotiations are close to completion, and Rothwell could be unveiled in the coming days.
If confirmed, he’ll become another key part of the Ibrox rebuild—and could go straight into the squad as Rangers prepare for their Champions League qualifying campaign.
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