Leeds United promotion-winner and ex-Barnsley midfielder Joe Rothwell linked with abrupt Rangers exit
Leeds United promotion-winner Joe Rothwell could reportedly leave Rangers - just six months after his move to Ibrox.
The cultured midfielder spent the 2024/25 season on loan at Elland Road, making 39 appearances and helping the Whites clinch the Championship title.
He impressed in Leeds colours, with his set-piece deliveries proving particularly fruitful, but returned to parent club AFC Bournemouth after the title triumph.
The 30-year-old was not back with the Cherries for long though, as Rangers swooped to secure his services on a three-year deal.
Joe Rothwell linked with Rangers exit
However, according to Football Insider, he could be on the move as soon as January.
The report has suggested there is interest in Rothwell from English clubs, with the former Barnsley loanee out of favour at Ibrox.
He has made 19 appearances north of the border, although has not featured in the Scottish Premiership since October with new boss Danny Rohl preferring alternative options.
It has been claimed Rangers could be open to offloading Rothwell to boost the coffers and free up space in their squad.
Joe Rothwell’s pedigree
The midfielder may have found opportunities limited in Scotland, but it is difficult to envisage there not being Championship interest in him.
An accomplished figure at second-tier level, Rothwell helped both Southampton and Leeds reach England’s top flight.
He had previously been an influential figure for Blackburn Rovers, who lost the Manchester United academy product to Bournemouth in 2022.
Love for Leeds
Rothwell’s time at Leeds may have been brief but the club seemingly got under the midfielder’s skin.
In March, he said: “I've said it from day dot really, I've loved my time here and whether that continues, that's not up to me.
“That’s between the club and my agent, but I'll just concentrate on doing what I've got to do and hopefully help this club get back up to the Premier League.
“This club, the size of Leeds United, they should be in the Premier League. The fans deserve it and obviously the players deserve it.”