Joe Rothwell seals ‘rare transfer agreement’ to sign for Rangers – Exclusive
Russell Martin needs players willing to fight for the Rangers jersey as they embark on a new journey.
There has already been a flurry of transfer activity at Ibrox, with a host of new players arriving at the Glasgow club.
Max Aarons signed on a season-long loan from Bournemouth, and he has been joined by former Cherry Joe Rothwell.
Ex-Rangers player Ross McCormack believes that Rothwell is a massive signing for the Scottish Premiership side, making the rare jump from England to Scotland.
Rangers appeal convinces Rothwell to sign
It was reported that Rothwell had offers from La Liga before opting to move to Ibrox, demonstrating his hunger for the Martin project.
The central midfielder spent last season on loan with Leeds United and has also played for Southampton, and has now made the jump further north.
Now, football finance expert Dan Plumley, speaking exclusively to Ibrox News, has weighed in on the transfer.
“It’s not something we see a lot of in cumulative numbers of those types of transfers, but it’s a good market for a club like Rangers to be looking at,” he said.
“Some of those players might not be part of first team plans, but might have had a bit of experience at Premier League or Championship level.
“Both of those are tough leagues, and that will serve well in the Scottish league, but he’s also tough, and there’s the cultural aspect of English and Scottish football there that those players will be involved in and will be aware of.
“It’s probably a market that is a good one for Rangers to have a look at, but we don’t see too many of them, and there’s always that risk and reward with transfers.
“But, it could be one that, if he hits the ground running and gets integrated pretty well, it could become one of those that you look back on and that’s a pretty good signing.
“For the player, of course, there are some positive moves there as well, going to a club like Rangers, the prospect of good European football, playing in front of big crowds, there’s an appeal there as well for the player.”
Rothwell an astute piece of business for Martin
The signing of Rothwell was surprising to some degree, given that Leeds could have gone back in for him after promotion to the Premier League.
Rothwell was a worthy performer last season, contributing four Championship assists in 36 appearances.
The 30-year-old featured under Martin during his Southampton days, and he played a role in their promotion to the top flight, too.
His Premier League and Championship experience make him an encouraging acquisition for Rangers and Martin.
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