(Credit: Imago and Hasan Karim)

Joe Rothwell set to sign two-year Rangers deal after Kevin Thelwell reveal

Correspondent AUTHORITY Football journalist with experience at the Edinburgh Evening News and GRV Media; Masters graduate from the University of Derby. FOCUS Scottish Premiership coverage with specialist knowledge of Rangers, Celtic, Hearts, Aberdeen, and Motherwell. THE INSIGHT Jack utilises a network of club and industry contacts across the Scottish Premiership to deliver verified, high-speed reporting. He provides the tactical and transfer insight behind the headlines to ensure fans get the full story as it happens.

Published on:

02 Jul 2025, 4:43 am

Joe Rothwell looks likely to become Rangers’ second signing of the summer.

Russell Martin has been in the market for a new midfielder amid rumours Nico Raskin could leave the Gers.

Therefore, the Rangers manager looks set to re-unite with Rothwell, who he had on loan at Southampton during the 2023/24 campaign.

The 30-year-old was on loan to Leeds United last season and is seen as a set-piece specialist.

With Rangers now agreeing a deal with Bournemouth for Rothwell, all signs point towards the midfielder signing at Ibrox this summer.

Rothwell helped Leeds United win promotion to the Premier League last season (Credit: Imago)

Rothwell talks have been ongoing since Max Aarons move

Rothwell’s impending transfer to Rangers is not the first business the Gers have done with Bournemouth this season.

Max Aarons became Martin’s first signing of the summer when the right-back joined on loan.

Now, according to The Herald Sport, page 2 (2 July), discussions about Rothwell’s move to Rangers have been ongoing since talks began about Aarons’ move to Glasgow.

This comes after Kevin Thelwell told Rangers (2 June) that he has been working on deals since before his official arrival.

He said: “While there has been significant work going on in the background prior to my arrival, that naturally accelerates from today, and top of the priority list will be the appointment of a new Head Coach for our men’s first team.”

Now, the report goes on to say that Rothwell is expected to sign a two-year deal at Ibrox, with Rangers aiming for a permanent transfer rather than another loan.

Rothwell could be a replacement for Nico Raskin (Credit: Imago)

Thelwell needs to speed up transfer incomings

While Rothwell will no doubt be an excellent signing for Rangers, incomings now need to speed up at Ibrox.

The Gers cannot go into their Champions League qualifiers with only two new signings, with departures also likely.

Joe Rothwell at Leeds United last season
Appearances	39
Goals	0
Assists	4
Honours	Championship title x1

Rothwell was crucial to Leeds United's promotion campaign

Therefore, Thelwell has to speed up the process to help get more players through the door before the match.

There are no doubt targets that Rangers have in mind, and now he must start making move to ensure they arrive at Ibrox over the coming weeks.

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Joe Rothwell

Kevin Thelwell