An update has emerged on Rangers and their pursuit of bringing a fresh central midfielder to Ibrox during the summer transfer window.
What’s the talk?
BBC reporter Ian Dennis has claimed that the Gers are among a number of clubs who are showing an interest in soon-to-be free agent Joe Rothwell ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.
He tweeted: “Fulham are looking to rival Bournemouth’s efforts to sign Blackburn midfielder Joe Rothwell. #AFCB had a bid turned down in Jan. Rothwell is out of contract this summer. Rangers and a host of Championship clubs are also understood to be interested in Rothwell.”
Gio van Bronckhorst would love him
The Light Blues head coach would love to have Rothwell at Ibrox next season, as he would be an excellent addition to the team.
The 27-year-old enjoyed a stellar campaign in the Championship for Blackburn and would add a new dynamic to the Gers midfield, as he has the ability to drive forward and create chances in the final third.
Would Rothwell be a good signing?
Yes
No
His Rovers boss Tony Mowbray previously lauded the player’s ability, saying: “He’s an exciting talent, he’s exceedingly fast, he keeps the ball really tight. We want him running towards the opposition goal rather than across the pitch.”
In the 2021/22 season, Rothwell averaged a sublime SofaScore rating of 7.08 across 41 matches as he maintained a high standard with his performances. He was directly involved in 13 goals, chipping in with three strikes and 10 assists, also creating 10 ‘big chances’ and providing 1.7 key passes per match.
The 27-year-old has proven that he can contribute in attack, while he also got stuck in defensively with 2.1 tackles and interceptions per game. This suggests that he would be a brilliant box-to-box option for Van Bronckhorst to call upon next term.
Meanwhile, Joe Aribo – who has also played out wide – was the only Rangers central midfielder with more than three assists in the Premiership. He set up five goals – half as many as Rothwell created for Blackburn in the English second tier – and this indicates that the Gers lack a midfielder capable of consistently providing creativity.
This suggests that the Rovers gem would be a superb signing for the Light Blues and a much-needed one because of the ability he possesses on the ball. Therefore, Van Bronckhorst would surely love to have him at Ibrox and will now be hoping that Ross Wilson can snap him up on a free transfer in the coming weeks.
AND in other news, Imagine him & Lundstram: GvB can form scary Rangers duo by signing £4.5k-p/w machine…