Joe Rothwell no longer features in Danny Rohl’s plans for the future of Rangers

Joe Rothwell is expected to leave Rangers this year after ‘playing his last game’ for the Scottish side, according to new reports.

The English midfielder only arrived at Ibrox six months ago and he is already looking to be moved on. Rothwell has not featured for the Light Blues since November 22nd due to ‘fitness concerns’.

The 30-year-old, whose career started at Manchester United, signed for Rangers under former manager Russell Martin last July. Rothwell had already played under Martin during their time at Southampton together in 2024.

The manager, clearly fond of the midfielder, reunited with him at Ibrox but was shown the door three months later. Since Danny Rohl’s arrival, Rothwell has featured on just one occasion for Rangers — a substitute appearance against Celtic in the Premier Sports Cup.

Joe Rothwell has ‘played his last game’ for Rangers

According to Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke, Rothwell is expected to be moved on from Ibrox this month as he is no longer part of Rohl’s plans moving forwards. The arrival of new signing Tochi Chukwuani only further pushes the Englishman down the pecking order as well.

“I would fully expect Joe Rothwell to leave Rangers in this window. He’s not figuring in the plans of Danny Rohl,” O’Rourke said.

“I think he last played a Scottish Premiership game back in October. He was brought in by Russell Martin from Bournemouth last summer, but Rohl has his own plans and is looking to move Rothwell on.”

Sheffield United want Rangers’ Joe Rothwell

Sheffield United are keen on signing Rothwell this window as they scour the market for much-needed reinforcements. The Blades are currently sitting down in 16th in the EFL Championship table, a stark contrast from their promotion-pushing battle last season.

Sheffield United are now ‘leading the way’ to take Rothwell off Rangers’ hands, which will seemingly benefit all involved in the potential deal.

“I think the player himself is keen to move on in search of regular first team football as well. It does seem that Sheffield United are the team that are leading the chase for Rothwell,” O’Rourke continued.

“Chris Wilder is looking to strengthen his midfield options and we know that Rothwell has got good Championship experience. He helped Leeds win the title last season, and is someone who could come straight in to make an impact.

“Wilder sees him as somebody who will improve that Sheffield United midfield, and maybe give them a lift as they look to make a late charge for the playoffs in the Championship.”

Rothwell spent last season on loan with Leeds United, who topped the Championship table and clinched both the trophy and automatic promotion to the Premier League. It was a nail-biting season, as both Leeds and Burnley finished with 100 points. The Whites edged the silverware on goal difference.

Rothwell made 36 league appearances during the title-winning season, 24 of them as part of the starting 11.