Joe Rothwell is savoring the opportunity to collaborate with Rangers manager Russell Martin again after the midfielder finalized a permanent transfer from Bournemouth.
The 30-year-old, who still had a year remaining on his Cherries contract, has transferred to Ibrox for an undisclosed amount and signed a three-year agreement.
Rothwell spent six months on loan under recently-appointed Gers coach Martin at Southampton in the 2023-24 season as they earned promotion from the Championship via the play-offs.
“I am delighted to have the deal done and be here,” Rothwell told Gers’ website. “It is brilliant. The size of the club speaks for itself and as soon as the interest was there it was an immediate ‘yes’ from me.
“With Russell coming in too it made that decision a little bit easier because working with him in the past and I know what type of guy he is and how he wants to do things. That was an even bigger pull for me, but the club speaks for itself.”
Rothwell did not get the chance to play in the Premier League under Martin as he instead joined Leeds on loan from Bournemouth last season, but he enjoyed more success at the Elland Road club – whose chairman Paraag Marathe is also now Rangers’ vice-chairman – by participating in 39 matches during the Whites’ push to the Championship title.
Martin believes the fact his latest acquisition arrives at Ibrox following productive loan spells bodes well for his time in Scotland.
“He is a player who we thoroughly enjoyed working with during my time at Southampton,” said the manager.
“His leadership, professionalism and quality were a huge asset. He is joining on the back of two promotions so helps bring a real winning mentality to the group. We are excited for Joe to join up the squad, get to know his teammates, and help make the group stronger.”
Rothwell, who played up to Under-20 level with England, progressed through the ranks at Manchester United before moving to Oxford in 2016.
He then spent four years with Blackburn from 2018 to 2022 before joining Bournemouth, which preceded his back-to-back promotion-winning stints at Southampton and Leeds.
Gers sporting director Kevin Thelwell added: “We are thrilled to secure Joe’s services as we continue to enhance the squad this summer.
“He has a wealth of experience in the game having performed strongly over a number of years at various levels in England.
“We believe he has the right temperament and quality as a player to be a valuable addition to the squad and look forward to seeing his impact.”
Rothwell becomes Rangers’ third new member this summer following the arrival of midfielder Lyall Cameron from Dundee and right-back Max Aarons on loan from Bournemouth.
The trio could be accompanied by Peterborough defender Emmanuel Fernandez, who was understood to be traveling to Scotland on Wednesday evening with the intention of moving to Ibrox following discussions between the two clubs. The 23-year-old was a regular for the Posh in League One last term and has two years left of his contract at London Road.