Rangers agree deal to sign Bournemouth midfielder Joe Rothwell

Mark McAdam of Sky Sports has broken the news that “Rangers have agreed a deal with Bournemouth to sign midfielder Joe Rothwell.”

He added that "he’ll be joining permanently from Bournemouth for an undisclosed fee", though he is "is entering the final year of his current contract" so a huge fee wouldn't be expected.

McAdam further reported that “Rothwell turned down the opportunity to go to La Liga to once again work under Russell Martin” at Rangers, having worked together at Southampton at the end of the 2023/24 term.

The midfielder spent the most recent 2024/25 campaign on a season-long loan deal with then Championship club Leeds United, playing 36 times in a league-winning team.

Emerging through the Manchester United youth academy, Rothwell is yet to leave England in his professional playing career, enjoying numerous loan spells in the EFL.

It was at Blackburn where Rothwell made a name for himself, however, playing 161 games for the club and finding the net on 11 occasions.

Upon the expiry of his contract in 2022, he signed for Premier League side Bournemouth on a free transfer, though his involvement for the Cherries has never quite reached the level of that at Blackburn.

A bit part role in consecutive campaigns was followed by Championship loan moves to Southampton and Leeds respectively, but it’s Rangers who look set to sign the midfielder on a permanent basis.

The Gers embark on a new era under Martin, and with the club tied with bitter rivals Celtic for the most Scottish Premiership honours, the former Southampton manager will be eager to make an instant impression on his squad, including newcomer Rothwell.

Ellis Statham

• Rangers F.C.
• Scottish Football
• Scottish Premiership
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