Southampton manager Russell Martin’s past comments on Leeds United’s latest addition should be music to the ears of Whites supporters.
Leeds completed their third signing of the summer on Thursday evening as Joe Rothwell sealed a season-long-loan switch from Bournemouth.
Rothwell has joined Joe Rodon and Alex Cairns in making the move to Elland Road this summer with it clear that Daniel Farke is looking to increase the level of experience in the squad.
Rodon was at Leeds last season and is now in the prime of his career, while Cairns is coming in as third-choice goalkeeper to replace Kristoffer Klaesson, with eight-years difference between them.
Rothwell, meanwhile, has almost 200 appearances under his belt across the top two divisions of English football and though clearly isn’t a direct replacement for Archie Gray, brings more experience to Leeds’ midfield.
What Martin has said about new Leeds signing Joe Rothwell
One of the biggest reasons for Leeds’ failure to win promotion last season was their lack of goals from midfield.
If, for whatever reason, the front four was not firing, Leeds simply had no one else on the pitch capable of finding the net. During the 46-game regular season, not one of Farke‘s midfielders were able to score.
However, Rothwell’s addition should certainly change that. Across his 168 Championship appearances, he has 14 goals and 18 assists, four of which came on loan at Southampton in the second half of the season.
Two of those strikes actually came in the same game against Sunderland, when he was brought off the bench with 17 minutes to play after Southampton had given up a two-goal lead.
But it was his introduction that helped change the game as he scored twice late on to help the Saints to a 4-2 victory, an impact which prompted manager Martin to label him as an ‘amazing finisher’.
He told beIN Sports: “Joe is an amazing finisher. The first one looks easy but it isn’t, it is on the half volley, and then with the second he’s showed great composure. He was really great when he came on.
“Him and Joe Aribo can be frustrated that they aren’t starting but they have two guys in front of them who have been playing really well.
“It is good problems for me but they have to keep doing what they have been doing when they get on to the pitch and being frustrated at not playing.”
- READ MORE: Leeds United player scores on pre-season debut for new club after leaving Elland Road on loan
Ross McCormack pleased with Leeds signing of Rothwell
Though Rothwell may not be the marquee signing Leeds fans were craving, it can certainly be filed as a sensible piece of business.
Experience is what Farke is looking for this summer, and Rothwell ticks that box. The fact he also has an eye for goal from midfield is also pivotal.
He will provide a good option from the bench if Ethan Ampadu and Glen Kamara returns as Leeds’ first choice partnership, significantly strengthening the depth of the squad.
Former Leeds striker Ross McCormack is certainly happy with the signing, as he gave his reaction on Instagram. He wrote: “Big signing that. Well done all.”
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