Joe Rothwell transfer is no-brainer for Leeds United after what he said
Leeds United should buy Joe Rothwell from Bournemouth permanently, regardless of winning promotion at the end of the season.
Speaking to BBC Radio Leeds (3 February, 10:23pm), Rothwell admitted that his impressive form in LS11 this season comes in the wake of leaving his family behind in Bournemouth after making the move.
The Whites signed Rothwell on a season-long loan from the Premier League side last summer, but having been bit-part in the early stages, United’s number eight is now a key cog in Daniel Farke’s side.
Rothwell said: “There’s two sides to it. There’s a side where you’ve got a move that you want to do, and where maybe you’re not wanted at a club any more so it’s probably best to move on.
“[It] has been tough because I’ve moved up without my family, my kids. 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. Hopefully next season we’re back together again.
“It’s gone as well as it could have done, it took some time but when I got that chance I knew I could show what I’m about – who knows what will happen next season.”
Joe Rothwell can become permanent fixture for Leeds United
The last few years of Rothwell’s career have represented something of a journeyman, running down his contract at Blackburn to move to Bournemouth, and then being shown the door within 18 months.
Loan moves to Southampton and Elland Road since have seen the 29-year-old become well-travelled in the EFL, and with seemingly no way back for him at Bournemouth, he’ll soon be on the move again.
However, given Rothwell has defied expectations to excel alongside multiple partners in United’s midfield so far this season, there is an argument that he’s shown enough to earn a permanent contract in LS11.
If the Whites do earn promotion, additions in the engine room will certainly be needed, but Rothwell has earned the right to be one of those permanent additions even if Premier League status is not achieved.
Bournemouth will likely be keen to sell regardless of the division United are playing in next term, but with Farke’s side on course for the top flight, Rothwell will hope his part in that journey is rewarded.
One thing’s for sure – Rothwell’s family would certainly appreciate the clarity on his long-term future.
In other Leeds news, the Whites have made a “massive loss” on one player whose exit was confirmed in the last few days.
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