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Joe Rothwell Chooses Rangers Over LaLiga in £15k-a-week Move as Russell Martin’s Rebuild Continues

Rangers have secured a key addition to their midfield ranks with the permanent signing of Bournemouth’s Joe Rothwell, as new manager Russell Martin continues reshaping his squad ahead of the 2025/26 season.

The 30-year-old has reportedly turned down interest from clubs in Spain’s LaLiga in favour of a move to Ibrox, as confirmed by Sky Sports journalist Mark McAdam. Rothwell is understood to have agreed personal terms with the Scottish Premiership side, with the deal now completed between Rangers and the Premier League outfit for an undisclosed fee.

The former Manchester United academy graduate becomes the second addition of the Martin era following the arrival of Max Aarons from Bournemouth on a season-long loan. Aarons, a former England U21 international, joined on a straight loan deal with no option to buy included. While his signing addressed a key position at right-back, attention has now turned to strengthening central areas.

Midfield reinforcements have been a clear priority for Rangers this summer, especially with Glen Kamara having moved on and the club seeking a similar profile to provide dynamism, progression, and control in possession. In Rothwell, Martin is getting a player known for his ball-carrying ability, press resistance and eye for a line-breaking pass—traits that drew comparisons to Kamara during his peak years in Glasgow.

McAdam shared the development on social media, stating: “Joe Rothwell has turned down interest from clubs in LaLiga to sign for Rangers. The Scottish giants have agreed a deal with Bournemouth to sign the midfielder on a permanent transfer.”

Rothwell is expected to earn in the region of £15,000 per week at Ibrox, in line with Rangers’ new wage structure under the club’s evolving recruitment strategy. The deal represents a strong piece of business for the Glasgow club as they continue to reshape their squad with a blend of experience and tactical versatility.

Rothwell featured prominently during the early stages of the 2023/24 campaign for Bournemouth before falling down the pecking order. He subsequently spent time on loan at Southampton under Russell Martin during the second half of that season, a spell that appears to have laid the groundwork for this reunion in Glasgow.

The 6ft midfielder brings with him a wealth of experience from the English Championship and Premier League, having also had spells at Oxford United and Blackburn Rovers. He is expected to slot straight into Martin’s midfield rotation alongside the likes of Mohamed Diomande and Nico Raskin.

Rangers have also been linked with Brazilian midfielder Metinho from French club Troyes, though talks have not advanced significantly. With the Champions League qualifiers looming, the urgency to bolster depth and quality across key areas of the squad remains high.

While Rothwell may not bring the glamour of a blockbuster signing, his tactical intelligence, athleticism and comfort on the ball make him a smart addition. If he can replicate the influence Kamara once had in midfield, then Martin and Rangers may have quietly pulled off a very effective move.