Rangers Strike Deal With Bournemouth For This Veteran Midfielder: A Reunion With Martin Must Excite The Fans | OneFootball

If a recent report from Sky Sports is believed to be true, Rangers have struck a deal with Bournemouth to sign Joe Rothwell. The midfield veteran has entered the final year of his Cherries’ contract, and is now set to ply his trade at Ibrox to reunite with Russell Martin following a brief yet productive stint together at Southampton last year.

The 30-year-old former England youth international progressed through the academy ranks of Manchester United. However, he failed to make it to their first-team squad and was eventually released from his contract after two successive loan spells with Blackpool and Barnsley.

Oxford United, the then-League One outfit, snapped him up as a free agent in the summer of 2016. There he impressed in the centre of the pitch and was snapped up by Blackburn Rovers two years later. Having featured regularly for the Championship outfit, Rothwell joined Bournemouth on a Bosman upon the expiration of his Ewood Park contract.

His Success Stories In England

Despite being utilised as a sporadic option in the Premier League, the midfielder became surplus to requirements following Andoni Iraola’s appointment. He was loaned out to Southampton for the second half of the 2023-24 campaign, followed by a season-long loan last season to Leeds United. His mastery in the middle of the park was crucial in both teams’ promotion to the Premier League.

HULL, ENGLAND – JANUARY 04: Ao Tanaka of Leeds United celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammate Joe Rothwell of Leeds United during the Sky Bet Championship match between Hull City AFC and Leeds United FC at MKM Stadium on January 04, 2025, in Hull, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

Although Martin handed him a bit-part role at St Mary’s, Rothwell spoke highly of the Light Blues boss for his style of play. He also wishes to represent Scotland to fulfil his international dream, and the move to the blue half of Glasgow could be a win-win deal for all parties involved.

What He Would Offer In the Rangers Midfield

Rangers are undergoing a squad rebuild since the Andrew Cavenagh-led 49ers Enterprises takeover. Kevin Thelwell, their newly-appointed sporting director, has recruited Martin as Philippe Clement’s successor, and their early business suggests that the gaffer would have enough weapons in his armoury ahead of the UEFA Champions League qualifier against Panathinaikos later this month.

While the concerns remain over attacking reinforcements, the arrival of Lyall Cameron, as well as Nicolas Raskin and Mohamed Diomande’s expertise, offers them balance in midfield. Connor Barron and Bailey Rice have a bright future ahead, yet the signing of Rothwell depicts their ambition ahead of next season. The Englishman’s experience and all-round traits should help Martin field his men flexibly in terms of tactical tweaks and the formation switch.