Sheffield United complete transfer deadline-day hat-trick of former Leeds United men after latest deal confirmed
Sheffield United completed a hat-trick of transfer deals on the final day of the window after late confirmation of Joe Rothwell’s arrival from Rangers. The deal was not announced until 90 minutes past the initial 7pm deadline, following the earlier arrivals of Leo Hjelde and Kalvin Phillips.
As we revealed earlier today, United had advanced their bid to sign the former Leeds United loanee from Rangers but the move was not announced as quickly as anyone involved had initially anticipated.
There were even untrue rumours that Rothwell had failed a medical at Bramall Lane but he was subsequently unveiled as a United player, albeit too late to take part in tomorrow night’s home clash with Oxford United.
The registration debut was 12noon on Monday evening for any signing to be eligible, meaning Rothwell and Phillips are expected to miss out. But Unitedites could get an early glimpse of Sunderland loanee Hjelde in a United shirt, with boss Chris Wilder indicating earlier that he will play a part against the U’s.
Rothwell has signed an 18-month deal at Bramall Lane to bring his time at Ibrox to a premature end, having only moved north of the border last summer after his departure from Bournemouth.
United striker Patrick Bamford played alongside Rothwell at Elland Road last season while current Whites boss Daniel Farke is a friend of the Blades chief, with the German describing Rothwell as one of the best technical players in England last year as his side pipped the Blades to automatic promotion, and the Championship title.
"We don't have to speak about his quality, he's a pure baller,” the German said. “With the ball, probably one of the best in this country. What he does in terms of passing, his technique and tidy touches is outstanding.
“Sometimes in this position you need a few different skills, or you would win Premier League title after title and have 150 caps for England. But when it comes down to dominating the game and being there with tidy touches, to drive the game forward ... if you enjoy football, you enjoy him playing. It's great we have him as a really good option."
Rothwell, who also helped Southampton to promotion to the Premier League through the play-offs in 2024, was admired by a number of Championship clubs this window, including big-spending Wrexham and Derby County.
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