Joe Rothwell is expected to leave Rangers in Januaryplaceholder image
Joe Rothwell is expected to leave Rangers in January | Getty Images
One of Russell Martin's first signing as Rangers' boss is likely to be pushed out of the door at the earliest opportunity
Out-of-favour Rangers midfielder Joe Rothwell has reportedly already played his final match for the Light Blyes as he edges closer to a move south of the border in the upcoming January transfer window.
The 30-year-old moved to Ibrox over the summer on a free transfer from Premier League outfit Bournemouth following the expiration of his contract at the Vitality Stadium. Sky Sports explained at the time that the Manchester United academy graduate turned down the opportunity to go to LaLiga to complete his switch to Rangers.
Rothwell, who worked with Russell Martin at Southampton, claimed he was drawn to the club by the former Norwich City captain. "I am delighted to have the deal done and be here," the new addition said at the time.
"It is brilliant. The size of the club speaks for itself and as soon as the interest was there it was an immediate yes from me. With Russell coming in too it made that decision a little bit easier because working with him in the past and I know what type of guy he is and how he wants to do things. That was an even bigger pull for me, but the club speaks for itself."
Martin heaped praise on Rothwell when he arrived at the club. "He is a player who we thoroughly enjoyed working with during my time at Southampton,” explained the 39-year-old at the time. His leadership, professionalism and quality were a huge asset. He is joining on the back of two promotions so helps bring a real winning mentality to the group.”
Rothwell was expected to be a key figure in a fresh era at Ibrox under Martin and the new heireachy. He featured heavily in the early weeks of the season, making 19 appaearances across all competitions while chipping in with two assists, but often flattered to decieve in his early outings, leading to many questioning why the experienced midfielder was even signed in the first place.
Martin’s ill-fated stint at Rangers came to an end in October. Since the former bosses’ departure and the subsequent arrival of Danny Rohl, Rothwell has barely featured. His only start under Rohl across all competitions came in a 3-0 loss to Brann in the Europa League.
Other than that, Rothwell hasn’t played at all under the new gaffer, with the final 18 minutes of the team’s Scottish League Cup semi-final defeat to Celtic being his only other appearance under Rohl.
What next for Joe Rothwell?
According to Football Insider, Rothwell has already played his last match for Rangers after dropping down the pecking order under Rohl. His last Scottish Premiership outing came in October before Martin’s departure in a 2-2 draw against Dundee United, and he’s failed to even make the matchday squad in four of the last five league outings.
The outlet explains Rothwell is surplus to requirements already and is likely to be sold at the nearest opportunity amid growing speculation linking South Yorkshire side Sheffield United with a move for the experienced midfielder. Rothwell played in Yorkshire last season with Leeds United and helped the Whites secure promotion as Championship winners during a productive loan spell.
Rothwell has racked up over 200 match of Championship experience in his career and is widely reported to be a player that Chris Wilder admirers due to his proven track record of winning promotion from the division.
Sheffield United are hoping to reach the Premier League in the near future. The Blades narrowly missed out on promotion via the Championship play-off last season but have started this season in underwhelming fashion. There has, however, been signs of improvement since Wilder’s return, with the club going unbeaten for six matches before last weekend’s loss to West Brom.
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