'Do we need him?' - Sheffield United move for Rangers player questioned | OneFootball

FLW's Sheffield United fan pundit has given his verdict on links to a January move for Joe Rothwell

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Joe Rothwell has re-emerged as a potential transfer option for Sheffield United this January.

According to Darren Witcoop, the midfielder is the subject of strong interest from the Blades as they eye a possible loan move.

The market is open until 2 February, giving clubs the chance to bolster their squad for the second half of the campaign.

Chris Wilder’s team have enjoyed an impressive run of form, and will now have their sights set on a run to the play-offs despite their disastrous start to the term.

Rothwell spent last season on loan with Leeds United, where he made 36 appearances in the Championship, but he has struggled for regular game time under Danny Rohl since returning to Ibrox in the summer.

Joe Rothwell transfer concern raised

When asked about a potential deal for Rothwell, FLW’s Sheffield United fan pundit Jimmy highlighted the number of other areas of the team that should be addressed as a greater priority this January.

He believes that Wilder’s side already has a number of midfield options so, even considering his strong form for Leeds last season, it might not be a worthwhile pursuit for the Yorkshire outfit.

“It’s a tricky window for Sheffield United,” Jimmy told Football League World.

“We definitely need some reinforcements in some places, we need competition for Femi Seriki at right-back.

“We could do with a goalkeeper to push Michael Cooper, in all honesty.

“I’d like another option on the wing, and a lot of us are also keen on strengthening the centre of midfield.

“But, Jairo Riedewald’s come in and been absolutely fantastic, Ollie Arblaster gets better every day in terms of his injury from that significant injury.

“Sydie Peck will be back soon.

“If Tom Davies can come anywhere near back to availability, which he is rumoured to be — obviously we don’t bank on that long-term unfortunately because of his track record.

“But that completes us somewhat in the middle.

“Soumare has stepped his game up the last few games as well, so he’s now involved in a more regular basis.

“That’s five centre-midfielders.

“We saw what impact Joe Rothwell had at Leeds last season, so we know that he can be a real talent at this level.

“But by all accounts, things aren’t going very well at Rangers, and ‘do we need him?’ would be the question.

“I’m not entirely sure.”

Sheffield United moved up the table with a win over Leicester City to start the new year, but their postponed clash against Oxford United dropped them to 16th.

The gap to the play-off places is nine points, although the Yorkshire outfit have a game in hand on a number of their rivals.

The Championship side will be aiming to earn a shot at promotion after losing the play-off final to Sunderland in 2025.

Next up for Sheffield United is a home clash against Mansfield Town in the third round of the FA Cup on 11 January in a 2.30pm kick-off.

Timing isn’t right for Sheffield United move for Joe Rothwell

There’s no doubt Rothwell could be a very useful option for a Championship side, and it’s not surprising that there are reportedly a number of clubs looking at a loan this month.

But Sheffield United’s midfield options means that it might not be the best time for them to sign Rothwell.

If Arblaster wasn’t back in the team, and Peck wasn’t set to return soon, then maybe a loan move for the second half of the campaign could make sense.