Rothwell’s loan to Leeds adds crucial experience and depth to their midfield for the upcoming season. His background at Bournemouth and his success at Southampton last season make him a valuable addition for Leeds. The option-to-buy clause demonstrates Leeds’ strategic planning to strengthen their squad with dependable players.
Leeds United have signed Joe Rothwell from AFC Bournemouth on a season-long loan deal, with an option to make the move permanent next summer.
Sky Sports journalist Mark McAdam first reported yesterday that Leeds United were close to signing 29-year-old midfielder Joe Rothwell. Rothwell, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Southampton, will now spend the full season at Elland Road, becoming Leeds’ third summer signing and the first new player of the transfer window. Despite a slow start in the transfer market, with Joe Rodon and Alex Cairns already signed, Leeds have now added Rothwell, who was deemed surplus to requirements at Bournemouth after joining them post-promotion in 2022 under Scott Parker from Blackburn Rovers. Rothwell’s loan deal was quickly finalized on Thursday evening, just hours after hints of his move to West Yorkshire emerged.
| Joe Rothwell’s career stats – per Transfermarkt | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Club | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| Manchester United | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Blackpool (loan) | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Barnsley (loan) | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Oxford United | 86 | 8 | 9 |
| Blackburn Rovers | 161 | 11 | 18 |
| AFC Bournemouth | 35 | 1 | 1 |
| Southampton (loan) | 20 | 4 | 1 |
Joe Rothwell’s delight at joining Leeds
The season-long loan includes an option-to-buy for Leeds, as reported by Adam Pope and others, despite some conflicting reports. This move secures Rothwell’s immediate future, as he had been on the fringes at Bournemouth since leaving Blackburn.
On paper, Joe Rothwell’s move to Leeds United seems practical, providing necessary cover for a crucial position, even though it occupies a loan spot for Daniel Farke. Manchester-born Rothwell, who came through Manchester United’s academy, expressed his excitement about playing for Leeds this season.
Speaking to LUTV, Rothwell said, “It’s unbelievable. As soon as I heard of the interest, I was desperate to make it happen. Thankfully, we managed to do it quickly, so I can’t wait to get going now. Leeds United doesn’t need selling to anyone; it is a huge football club. The club was a bit unlucky last year, but the aim is clear: to get back to the Premier League. I want to add experience and help the team achieve that.
“When you think of Leeds, you think of the fans. I’ve experienced playing at Elland Road before, and it’s the only stadium I’ve felt vibrate when a goal went in. It will be nice to be on the right side of the fans this time, instead of the wrong side.”
Joe Rothwell will add plenty to Leeds United
Rothwell notched four goals during his half-season stint at Southampton and came off the bench in the second half of their win at Elland Road in May. He was also part of Russell Martin’s Southampton side that defeated Leeds in the play-off final, although he was an unused substitute in that match.
Rothwell made 17 league appearances and scored four goals, even winning their Goal of the Season competition. His performances demonstrated that he’s more than capable of being a vital part of a promotion-winning side. His ability to crash the box and shoot is vastly superior to Leeds’ other central midfield options.
Adding Rothwell brings much-needed experience in terms of both winning promotion and his age. He provides energy and driving runs from deep, offering final-third output from midfield, which Leeds lacked last season. Alongside Glen Kamara, Ethan Ampadu, and Ilia Gruev, he adds a different profile, making Leeds’ midfield one of the best in the division for 2024/25. He’s a solid addition, enhancing both depth and variety in the midfield, especially after the departures of Jamie Shackleton and Archie Gray, which left Leeds short in terms of numbers and quality.
Since their relegation in 2023, Leeds have seen many players depart, so Rothwell’s enthusiasm about joining West Yorkshire and playing at Elland Road is a positive for the fans, who have seen numerous players come and go quickly. Rothwell is an astute addition with the right attitude. While not the most glamorous signing, bulking up the squad with solid players is essential for Leeds to maintain stamina in the title race, offering a range of midfield options and profiles.
The option-to-buy clause is also a smart move by Leeds, recognizing that Rothwell might only be a short-term solution and could have been a riskier long-term signing at the age of 29. Securing him on loan provides the depth and quality needed in central midfield for the upcoming season.