Former Blackburn Rovers midfielder Joe Rothwell is set to join Leeds United on a season-long loan from AFC Bournemouth, according to journalist Mark McAdam.
The 29-year-old spent four years at Ewood Park after joining from Oxford United in 2018 for an undisclosed fee. He became an ever-present in the heart of the Lancashire club’s midfield, racking up 161 appearances. His form saw then-Championship outfit AFC Bournemouth attempt to prise him away from the 1995 Premier League champions during the 2022 winter transfer window, where a bid of £3.5 million was rejected.
It was a decision which came back to haunt Rovers, with the ex-Manchester United youngster eventually joining the Cherries the following summer on a free transfer following the expiration of his contract. By then, Bournemouth were able to offer Premier League football after a second-placed finish earned them promotion to the top tier.
Rothwell’s time at the Vitality Stadium has been difficult. He spent the 2022/23 campaign in and out of the team, before playing a bit-part role during the first half of last season.
This led a loan move to Southampton in January, where he helped Russell Martin’s team earn promotion via the play-offs. Although he prominently featured from the substitutes bench, he still pitched in with some important goals, most notably a late brace in a 4-2 win over Sunderland in March.
It’s these kind of moments which seem to have brought Leeds United to the table. The Whites were defeated by Rothwell’s Southampton at Wembley Stadium in May and know that they have a great opportunity to go one better next season. The Championship is arguably weaker with the three teams that have come down from the Premier League and Daniel Farke’s team are one of the favourites to win the division.
BREAKING:
Leeds United have agreed a deal with Bournemouth to take Joe Rothwell on a season long loan.
The 29 year old joined Bournemouth as a free in the summer of 2022.
Rothwell is in Leeds now ahead of his medical that should be completed within the next 48 hours.#LUFC
— Mark McAdam (@markmcadamtv) July 11, 2024
The German is keen to add experience to his squad to solidify his midfield. Archie Gray was utilised in the centre of the park at times but left in a big-money move to Tottenham Hotspur last month. This leaves a gap, which they are looking to plug, and Rothwell’s temporary deal will give them an option.
Writer’s View
This is a transfer which seems to have come from the left field. Rothwell has plenty of Championship experience, but he is unlikely to be a player who is one of the first names on the teamsheet. Still, football is about squads and as proven at Southampton last season, he is a great option to have.
Leeds will have money to spend this summer and will surely look to add further recruits to their midfield. This looks to be about adding depth, but it is a great opportunity for the player. His move to Bournemouth hasn’t worked out, he still has two years remaining on his contract, and this gives him a chance to put himself in the shop window next summer.
