“Has enough about him to step up” – Fulham set to rival Forest and WBA for Blackburn Rovers midfielder: The verdict | OneFootball

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Football League World

·27 May 2022

“Has enough about him to step up” – Fulham set to rival Forest and WBA for Blackburn Rovers midfielder: The verdict

Article image:“Has enough about him to step up” – Fulham set to rival Forest and WBA for Blackburn Rovers midfielder: The verdict

This article is part of Football League World’s ‘The Verdict’ series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Fulham have joined the race to sign Blackburn Rovers midfielder Joe Rothwell, as per a report from the Lancashire Telegraph.


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Nottingham Forest and West Brom are also currently battling it out to sign the talented midfielder, whilst Bournemouth saw bids rejected for the 27-year-old in January.

Scoring three goals and providing 10 assists in 41 Championship games last season, Rothwell enjoyed a productive 2021/22 campaign.

The Cottagers are preparing for life back in the Premier League and are viewing Rothwell as someone who can help ensure their first objective next season, survival.

Three of our writers here at FLW have shared their thoughts regarding Fulham’s interest in the Blackburn midfielder…

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Article image:“Has enough about him to step up” – Fulham set to rival Forest and WBA for Blackburn Rovers midfielder: The verdict

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Billy Mulley

It is no surprise that Premier League interest has surfaced for the exciting midfielder, with Fulham perhaps an excellent destination for Rothwell.

Looking a level above at times during his Blackburn career, he is a constant attacking threat from central positions, with his direct running and excellent dribbling ability serving him well.

His 13 goal contributions this Championship season acts as a further indication to the kind of quality he possesses.

Although playing slightly deeper than Fabio Carvalho did, Rothwell still provides a similar kind of attacking service and can often stretch the defence with intelligent off the ball runs.

It will be interesting to see if a Premier League move comes to fruition during the summer, with his consistently high levels of performance justifying it.

Alfie Burns

You’ve got to think so.

Fulham’s squad needs a touch of TLC this summer and midfield is probably an area where Marco Silva will be looking to strengthen.

Rothwell has been a steady performer in the Championship over the last couple of seasons and he’s some that, with better players around him, probably has enough about him to step up.

He’s not going to be the answer to all Fulham’s problems and he’s not going to be a signing that swings what’s likely to be next season’s relegation battle in their favour.

However, if he does sign, he could prove to be an extremely useful addition and part of a summer window that looks set to be very busy.

Carla Devine

Joe Rothwell has had a good season with Blackburn Rovers being a core part of the side having made 41 appearances this term. Furthermore, he’s had a key part to play in the side’s attacking duties having scored three goals and provided three assists this season.

Therefore, you can understand why Fulham are considering a move for the player as they look towards the Premier League. Rothwell would definitely provide Fulham with some competition in the middle of the park and given he is a free agent this summer, it generally seems a risk free signing.

However, it must be considered that the 27-year-old has never played at Premier League level before and therefore Fulham have no idea how he will shape up in the top flight. Furthermore, they don’t want to run the risk of entering the Premier League with Championship quality players again.

That being said, Rothwell has proved his talent at Championship level and therefore a step up does seem like the natural next step for the player. Therefore, on a free transfer it seems like a good bit of business.

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