Joe Rothwell will be a ‘big signing’ for Leeds United after completing a season-long loan deal from AFC Bournemouth. The 29-year-old has joined up with Daniel Farke’s squad for pre-season preparations after signing on a temporary deal from the Premier League side.
Having featured for Southampton on loan in the second half of last season, he knows what the Championship is all about, and Leeds will hope he can add some vital experience to their midfield engine room.
While it may not be a marquee signing that fans are hoping for, the move could yet turn out to be an important one for Farke, especially if he loses any more midfield talent this summer. Glen Kamara has been linked with a move to French side Rennes, and should any move go ahead, United at least now know they have a ready-made replacement.
One man who has been impressed with the move is former Leeds United forward Ross McCormack. The forward scored 58 goals in 158 games for the club in a four-year spell at Elland Road, and he took to social media to stamp his seal of approval on the deal.
“Big signing that. Well done all,” McCormack posted as a reply to Leeds’ announcement of the deal on Instagram.
For his part, Rothwell can’t wait get started, saying: “It’s unbelievable, as soon as I heard of the interest, it was something I was desperate to make happen and thankfully we’ve managed to do it quite quickly, so I can’t wait to get going now.
“I don’t think Leeds United needs selling to anyone to be honest, it is a huge football club. The club were a bit unlucky last year, but the aim is one thing and that is to to get back to the Premier League, so I want to come here, add a bit of experience and help the team do that.”
