Sheffield United have been linked with a move for Rangers midfielder Joe Rothwell in January and he is set to be allowed to move on, according to The Daily Record.
Sheffield United are beginning to steady the ship under Chris Wilder following a disastrous summer. The Blades legend was brought back for a third spell after Ruben Selles was dismissed after just six games in charge.
The club’s hierarchy have come under heavy criticism for their summer recruitment. Wilder has since added Patrick Bamford and Jairo Riedewald on free transfers, but the January window will offer a chance to further reinforce the squad.
Image courtesy of: CRAIG BROUGH/REUTERS.
One man who Sheffield United could be looking at in January is former Southampton man Joe Rothwell. According to The Daily Record, SUFC are in pole position to sign Rothwell, and he will be allowed to leave the club in January.
Rothwell was part of the Leeds United side that was promoted from the Championship last season. He made the switch to Rangers in the summer, reuniting with Russell Martin, who has since been sacked.
Rothwell would be a very Chris Wilder signing and a great one for SUFC
Joe Rothwell would feel like a very Chris Wilder signing because he matches the type of player Wilder has consistently trusted and maximised throughout his career. Wilder values energetic, technically secure midfielders who press aggressively and carry the ball forward, all of which are key parts of Rothwell’s game.
Image courtesy of: CRAIG BROUGH/REUTERS.
Rothwell is also a proven Championship performer, something Wilder places huge importance on when shaping his squads. His ability to control tempo, contribute goals and operate in multiple midfield roles fits Wilder’s preference for adaptable players.
Another factor is Wilder’s habit of targeting players with a point to prove. Rothwell is a player who has always done very well but has not had a shot at the Premier League.
Joe Rothwell’s career stats
Finally, Rothwell aligns with Wilder’s pragmatic approach to recruitment. Rather than chasing big names, Wilder favours smart, achievable deals for players who can make an immediate impact, making Rothwell a very natural fit for Sheffield United.
Rothwell’s recent Championship success
Rothwell enjoyed productive spells with both Leeds United and Southampton during his recent career in the English leagues. In January 2024, he joined Southampton on loan from Bournemouth and played a key role in their push for promotion from the Championship.
He scored four goals in 20 matches and helped the Saints secure a play‑off win and return to the Premier League. The following season, Rothwell spent the 2024/25 campaign on loan at Leeds United in the Championship.
He featured regularly as part of the midfield that helped Leeds secure the league title and promotion back to the Premier League. He was a key contributor for Leeds, making a huge impact from the bench.