Joe Rothwell certainly played his part in Leeds United’s promotion-winning campaign. But what the future holds for the Bournemouth man remains to be seen.
At times, Leeds United fans were blown away with Joe Rothwell. The former Manchester United youngster has some of best passing ability in the second tier and he showed that in his 36 Championship appearances this season, with four assists to his name.
Right now, Rothwell is sidelined with injury and we might well have seen the last of him in a Leeds United shirt. That is, unless, Leeds decide they want to sign the 30-year-old on a permanent basis this summer.
Daniel Farke has discussed signing Rothwell on a permanent basis but always hinted that it’d be a discussion for the summer transfer window. It’s the same case for fellow loanee Manor Solomon although Leeds United seem very interested in signing Solomon from Spurs.
It’s understood that Rothwell can leave Bournemouth for a £7.5million fee this summer.
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Andoni Iraola hints Joe Rothwell faces uncertain future at Bournemouth
Speaking to Daily Echo about two of his Championship loan players, Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola shared his delight for Rothwell and also for Jaidon Anthony who earned promotion with Burnley on Monday, along with Leeds United.
Burnley will now sign Anthony on a permanent deal for £8million. But Rothwell is currently set to return to the Vitality Stadium and Iraola’s latest comments on the Englishman suggest that the next steps for him are unclear.
“Yes, very happy for Jaidon Anthony, also I would include Joe Rothwell, another promotion also for Joe, different situations because Jaidon is going to be a definitive move,” said Iraola, hinting that the situation with Rothwell is not yet decided.
Rothwell is under contract at Bournemouth until the summer of 2026.
What Joe Rothwell has said about his future after Leeds United loan
For Rothwell, the summer ahead and the next season looks very up in the air right now. But speaking earlier in the season he gave a big hint on what he wants from his next move, and that’s simply to be with his family.
Rothwell revealed how he moved to Leeds United alone, leaving his family for the season. He explained earlier in the year: “This one [loan] has been tough because I’ve moved up without my family, my kids being in school. It wasn’t just a case of moving them with me because I don’t know what’s going to happen next season.
“I made the decision with my wife to leave them, it’s been tough. I don’t get to see them as much as I’d like to but we knew it was a sacrifice we had to make. Hopefully next season we’re back together again.”
That’ll no doubt be a huge factor in where Rothwell ends up next. But with Bournemouth flying high in the Premier League they and indeed Rothwell might decide it’s time to part ways with one another.
Leeds United might now have higher ambitions than Rothwell too, although he did play an important part this season.
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