Joe Rothwell has been one of Leeds United’s stand-out players over the last few weeks but he is still only on-loan at Elland Road from Bournemouth, and his long-term future is still a question mark.
Rothwell did not get many chances in the first few week but injuries to Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev has seen the playmaker come in alongside Ao Tanaka has worked, with Rothwell taking Leeds up the pitch.
Not only is his ability to run with the ball and pass forward providing a new attacking outlet for Leeds, but his quality from set-pieces helped unlock the door against Sheffield United during the 2-0 home win.
But where does his long-term future lie? Rothwell has been out on loan twice now, spending time at Southampton last season. The on-loan ace has a contract at Bournemouth until the summer of 2026.
Graeme Bailey shares Leeds stance on permanent Rothwell deal
Judging by his performances, Leeds will certainly be keen to do a permanent deal. Stuart Dallas thinks Rothwell is going to give Daniel Farke a headache, when Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev return from injury.
Tyler Adams is fit again at Bournemouth and the former Elland Road star is likely to have pushed Rothwell further down the pecking order. But Graeme Bailey has told LeedsUnited.News that promotion is key.
“Obviously if they don’t go up bringing him in permanently would be difficult. They like what he’s done, but if Amapdeu and Gruev are fit, Tanaka’s playing, does Rothwell play? He’d like to think he does.
“It would depend on Leeds’ ambition when they get promoted. A very good squad player, he can play a plethora of positions as well. He’d be one they would like to keep, but they’d need to get promoted.”
Rothwell and Tanaka producing better results in Leeds midfield
The issue with Gruev and Ampadu sitting in front of the defence is that the duo are both able to play as centre-backs. They are too defensive, while it is difficult to imagine Tanaka and Rothwell in defence.
Points won with midfield combinations
| Games started | Wins | Draws | Losses | Points per game | |
| Rothwell and Tanaka | 7 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 2.00 |
| Gruev and Ampadu | 7 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 2.00 |
It is exactly the same, something not many might have predicted. During the seven games each, Leeds have also scored 12 goals, while The Whites have conceded four goals apiece – the same number.
Quite incredible, but Leeds do certainly have a bit more attacking impetus with Rothwell in the side and when both Ampadu and Gruev are fit again, it will be interesting to see who Farke starts in midfield.
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