Rothwell’s loan spell at Southampton did not pan out as hoped, despite the club securing promotion to the Premier League.
- The midfielder is uncertain about his future, with discussions with Bournemouth pending to determine his next steps for next season.
- Southampton are unlikely to make Rothwell’s move permanent, with other priorities in the transfer market taking precedence.
Joe Rothwell has provided an update on his Southampton future following the end of his loan spell from Bournemouth.
The midfielder joined the Saints during the January transfer window, arriving in a bid to help the club gain promotion to the Premier League.
The 29-year-old had struggled for game time with the Cherries prior to his move to St. Mary’s, where he went on to feature 16 times in the regular Championship season (all stats from Fbref).
Rothwell also featured off the bench in the team’s 3-1 second leg win over West Brom in the play-off semi-finals, his last appearance for the club before the end of his loan.
Rothwell offered a hint over his future now that his loan move had concluded, indicating a discussion will need to be had with Bournemouth soon to decide his next step.
“We will take it from there really. I’m not thinking about that.
“We have just got promoted so it’s time to enjoy it for the next couple of days.
“Then I will get away with the family to relax and then come back ready to go.
“There has been no immediate conversation.
“As I said, the season is over now and I’m thankful it has ended in the way we wanted it to.”
Rothwell made just 11 appearances for Bournemouth in the Premier League prior to his January move to St. Mary’s, including on three starts.
The player’s contract runs until the summer of 2026, but the Cherries could cash in this year in order to get him off their books.
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