It is just six months since Leeds United waved goodbye to Joe Rothwell after a stunning season on loan at Elland Road from Bournemouth. Shortly after, the 49ers signed him again.
The set-piece specialist was crucial for Leeds last season, even if there was a mixed reaction when the club announced the star’s arrival. Daniel Farke said it didn’t take long for Rothwell to prove doubters wrong.
Rothwell will be remembered for filling the void after injuries to Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev, after the club sold Glen Kamara. His driving runs from deep, his crossing, and his Sunderland assists were pivotal.
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But Leeds opted not to sign Rothwell and instead, the 49ers took him north of the border to Ibrox under Russell Martin. It started well, with Stuart Dallas and Rangers fans praising Rothwell against Panathinaikos.
Derby County ready to offer Joe Rothwell an escape from Ibrox
But his form and game time has dried up. Rothwell rarely starts for Rangers these days, with the likes of Nico Raskin preferred. Chris Sutton says Rothwell has been weighed down by the pressure from fans.
It seems Rothwell could pursue an early exit. Sheffield United could reunite Rothwell with Patrick Bamford in January, but Chris Wilder’s Blades are not the only side said to be interested in the creative midfielder.
Indeed, transfer expert Alan Nixon has reported on his Patreon channel that Derby County are looking to do a deal for Rothwell. It is said that Rothwell fits in Derby’s budget, under Farke’s nemesis John Eustace.
What was your favourite Joe Rothwell moment? 🪄
Here's his man-of-the-match performance against Sheffield United.
Joe Rothwell could play against Leeds if a deal is done early
For most Premier League clubs, the third round of the FA Cup will present managers with the chance to change their sides. In the Championship, it is not dissimilar, even if the opponent is in a division higher.
While Derby sit in 16th place under Eustace this season, they are only seven points off the play-offs and a run of good form could see Eustace make a late break for the top six. The league will be Derby’s priority.
So, if Derby do sign Rothwell and get a deal done early, there is a chance that Eustace might be tempted to throw him straight into an FA Cup XI, before risking him in the league. Typically, Derby drew Leeds.
Leeds will go to Derby on January 11, with the likes of Seb Bornauw, Willy Gnonto, James Justin and Ilia Gruev likely to play. It could be that they face the long hair of Rothwell in just under a month’s time.
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