Aside from Leeds United’s pre-season campaign and work in the transfer window, Joe Rothwell began his 2025-26 campaign as Rangers took on Panathinaikos in a Champions League qualifying match.
Rothwell, 30, returned to Bournemouth this summer after his loan at Leeds came to an end. A stunning season that saw many urge Leeds to sign the free-flowing midfielder on a permanent deal this summer.
But that has not materialised despite his set-piece quality, and his ability to break the lines and run with the ball in central midfield. Following his return to Bournemouth, Rothwell joined Rangers permanently.
A move that sees The 49ers sign him for a second time after Paraag Marathe secured a majority stake in the Scottish giants with Andrew Kavanagh. It also saw Rothwell reunited with manager Russell Martin.
Rangers fans in awe of Joe Rothwell after Ibrox debut on Tuesday
Rangers began their season on Tuesday night with the first leg of a Champions League qualifying clash against Greek giants Panathinaikos. Immediately, the pressure was on for Rangers to secure a victory.
The Gers needed to take a win with them to Greece and they did just that, with Rothwell front and centre in a 2-0 win. Findlay Curtis opened the scoring before Djeidi Gassama made it two in the second half.
Rothwell was sensational. Flair, control and class in the middle of the park, as Leeds fans came to know and love last season. Rangers fans were delighted at Ibrox, with Rothwell earning a standing ovation.
Rangers fans discussed Rothwell’s performance in their droves on X, with one describing the Leeds hero as a “joke”. It came after one moment late on, when Rothwell interjected two players with a backheel.
One supporter said he “coasted it”, while another said Rothwell was “head and shoulders above anyone on the pitch”. More continued to praise Rothwell, saying he was the “clear Man of the Match” last night.
One supporter even made a big prediction about Rothwell. He claims that Rothwell will be the “defining” signing of Martin’s era after reuniting with his old Southampton gaffer, before making a massive claim.
After just one game, the fan in question claimed Rothwell could “take the armband” from James Tavernier when the Ibrox legend eventually leaves the club or retires. Rothwell then, clearly made an impression.
Stuart Dallas praises Joe Rothwell after Ibrox attendance
Such is the way with many from Northern Ireland, Stuart Dallas is a Rangers fan and was in attendance at Ibrox on Tuesday. Watching on from the stands, Dallas heaped praise on Rothwell for his Rangers debut.
Leeds have, of course, replaced the loss of Rothwell by bringing in Sean Longstaff from Newcastle for a fee of £15m and Anton Stach from Hoffenheim. The Germany international joined for a total of £19.9m.
For Rothwell, Rangers face Luke Ayling’s Middlesbrough on Saturday – who will be without Jonny Howson after his return to Leeds – before a second leg against Panathinaikos next week, boasting a 2-0 lead.
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