Rangers Agree to Sign Bournemouth Midfielder on Permanent Deal | OneFootball

Joe Rothwell Signs for Rangers as Russell Martin Assembles Trusted Core

Experience and Familiarity Key to Rothwell Deal

Rangers have acted decisively in the market again, sealing a deal for midfielder Joe Rothwell from Bournemouth. As reported by Sky Sports News’ Mark McAdam, “He’ll be joining permanently from Bournemouth for an undisclosed fee.” The 30-year-old enters the final year of his current contract and brings with him experience from the Premier League, the Championship and most recently a promotion-winning campaign with Leeds United.

Russell Martin, now at the helm of Rangers, knows Rothwell well. The midfielder played under him at Southampton during a loan spell in 2024 and had the opportunity to reunite with Martin in La Liga. That route was declined in favour of another partnership, this time in Glasgow. As Sky Sports revealed, “Rothwell turned down the opportunity to go to La Liga to once again work under Russell Martin.”

Martin clearly sees Rothwell as a trusted figure in his midfield plan, someone capable of implementing his possession-based system from day one. Rothwell’s tactical awareness, control in tight areas and positional discipline offer exactly the type of stability Rangers lacked at points last season.

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Winning Mentality From Leeds Campaign

Rothwell arrives with form and pedigree. His time on loan at Leeds United was far more than a squad-filler role. He played 39 times in all competitions, helping guide the club back to the Premier League at the first attempt. That experience is not only recent but intensely relevant. It speaks to character and consistency across a pressure-laden season.

In Glasgow, that pressure only intensifies. Rothwell has shown already that he can cope with high expectations and scrutiny, traits that will serve him well in an environment where silverware is a non-negotiable demand. His calmness on the ball and game management will be valuable in both domestic contests and European qualifiers.

Martin Building With Purpose

Russell Martin’s approach to recruitment is already becoming clear. Familiar faces, reliable operators and players who know his demands. This signing reflects a manager with a clear footballing philosophy and a club board willing to support it. Rothwell is not a marquee name but fits the identity of the project being shaped at Ibrox.

Rangers are not chasing headlines this summer, they are building methodically. In Rothwell, they have secured a player who is tactically intelligent, professionally driven and motivated by the chance to compete at the highest level in Scotland. His experience in the English system adds further resilience to the midfield and his comfort in multiple roles gives Martin options, whether in a two or as part of a three.

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Eyes on Silverware and Europe

Rothwell’s role at Rangers is likely to evolve quickly. From rotation option to possible starter, his path will depend on fitness, form and the consistency demanded by the supporters. There will be no settling-in period. Fans will expect impact and influence, particularly in key fixtures and European qualifiers where margins are slim.

His understanding with Martin could give him a head start over other signings. The real test will be whether he can translate Championship success into dominance north of the border. If he does, Rangers may look back on this move as a moment of quiet significance in their pursuit of a stronger future.

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Supporters will welcome Rothwell’s arrival not because it is flashy, but because it feels smart. He comes with purpose. He chose Rangers over an easier life in Spain. That says a lot. This is a player who is ready to work, ready to fight for trophies, and already has the trust of the manager.

Those who watched Leeds last season know what he brings: graft, calmness under pressure and the ability to knit play together. He’s not going to score 15 goals, but he might make the pass before the assist, or win back possession in midfield and set things in motion.

This is about adding football intelligence to a squad that sometimes struggled to control games. If Rothwell helps Rangers dominate midfield battles, retain possession and take the sting out of tricky away ties, he’ll become a vital piece of the puzzle. And at 30, he still has enough miles on the clock to deliver consistently.

If Martin wants Rangers to play in his image, Rothwell might be one of the most important signings of the summer.