Bournemouth midfielder Joe Rothwell looks set to join Southampton on loan – 18 months on from turning down the chance to sign for Rangers.
Linked to Rangers as far back as the January window of 2022, there was a time when reports had suggested the Gers were “almost certain” to move for then Blackburn star Rothwell.
But six months later – with Rangers again linked to the player – the ex-Manchester United youth moved to newly promoted Bournemouth where he’s spent the last year-and-a-half.
Joe Rothwell to Southampton
The midfielder’s stint in the Premier League looks to be coming to an end for now as he readies a switch to aid Championship promotion candidates Southampton.
The likes of Sky Sports are reporting that Bournemouth have agreed to let the 29-year-old move to St Mary’s.
Claiming the midfielder is having a medical on the south coast, it comes with Joe Rothwell having made 11 appearances in the Premier League this season.
This is on top of the 20 Premier League appearances Rothwell made for Bournemouth last season, the Rangers-linked midfielder very much a useful squad option for the Cherries.
Midfielder chose Bournemouth over Rangers
Ibrox fans will note the transfer after the player appears to have turned down the opportunity to move to Glasgow 18 months ago.
The Gers were strongly linked with Rothwell’s contract ticking down at Blackburn Rovers but in the end of the pull of the Premier League proved too strong for the Ibrox side.
But it is quite remarkable that in this day and age Rangers have difficulty competing with the likes of Bournemouth – who have an 11k seater stadium and have never won a major honour – in the pursuit of players.
Now, Joe Rothwell is back in the Championship, presumably in the hope of playing more regularly, and one wonders if the midfielder regrets turning down the chance to become a legend for English footballing mediocrity.
Rangers might not have the financial muscle to compete with clubs at even the lower end of the Premier League table, but what’s on offer at Ibrox is something deeper than just money.
