'I'm over the moon' - Joe Powell seals free transfer move from Rotherham United to Salford City
Joe Powell seals free transfer move from Rotherham United to Salford City
Joe Powell will become a Salford City player upon the expiry of his Rotherham United contract at the end of the month.
The midfielder joined the Millers from Burton Albion in the summer of 2024, penning a two-year deal after Rotherham’s relegation from the Championship.
He was signed to be part of a promotion push but could not prevent the South Yorkshire club’s decline continuing. The 27-year-old was part of the Millers squad that suffered relegation from League One last term and will not be staying for the rebuild.
After 91 appearances in Rotherham colours, Powell has sealed a switch to their new League Two rivals Salford. The Ammies reached the League Two play-off final last term, losing 3-0 to Notts County at Wembley.
Joe Powell ‘over the moon’
“I’m over the moon to get started,” he told the Salford website. “I’m looking forward to the season and hopefully some very good things to come.
“When I sat down with the club we had a good chat, and our ambitions aligned. I’ve got a lot to give, hopefully I can put that on show. You can expect to see a lot of desire, a lot of passion. I’ll cover every blade of grass that I can, and on top of that I can bring quality with the final pass, breaking the lines, some long distance shots, so hopefully I can bring a bit of excitement.
“There seems to be a good depth in the squad at the minute already where I can receive balls with quality, and also give the quality to the players in the final third. We’ve got some very, very good players that I’m looking forward to playing with and making good things happen with.”
Rotherham United talks concluded
At the end of the 2025/26 season, Rotherham published their retained list and confirmed talks with Powell were ongoing. The Millers have now announced conversations came to an “amicable conclusion”.
A statement issued by Rotherham read: “Rotherham United can confirm that the club has concluded discussions with midfielder Joe Powell regarding the possibility of him signing a new deal and the midfielder will depart AESSEAL New York Stadium upon the expiry of his contract this summer.
“The Canning Town-born operator joined the Millers from Burton Albion in 2024 and has since made over 90 appearances for the club in all competitions.
“Alongside his name appearing among the division’s leading assisting makers during his first season in South Yorkshire, Powell was a regular presence in the local community and last year became the ambassador for our official Supporters’ Club.
“At the time of the publication of our retained list, the club detailed that it had entered into discussions with Powell and his representatives, but those conversations have now come to an amicable conclusion with the player opting to pursue a new challenge.
“Everyone at Rotherham United would like to thank Joe for his contribution across two years at AESSEAL New York Stadium.”