Sky Sports journalist Mark McAdam first broke the news yesterday that the Whites were close to completing the signing of the 29-year-old midfielder. That’s after he spent the second half of last season on loan at Southampton and has headed out on loan again.
He will spend the full season at Elland Road to become their third summer signing, as well as the first new player of the transfer window. The Whites have been fairly slow starters when it comes to incoming business this summer, even though they have two signings on the board in Joe Rodon and Alex Cairns.
Rothwell has been deemed surplus to requirements at Bournemouth, having signed for them after promotion in 2022 under Scott Parker from Blackburn Rovers. Rothwell’s deal was concluded swiftly on Thursday evening to see him join Leeds on loan for the 2024/25 season just mere hours after hints emerged that he could be heading to West Yorkshire.
On paper, it looks like a sensible move more than anything else, even though he’s taking up a loan spot this season for Daniel Farke, albeit quite shrewdly to add cover to a crucial position where Leeds required an addition.
Manchester-born Rothwell came through the academy of bitter rivals Manchester United but has admitted his excitement at the chance to play for Leeds this season.
Speaking via LUTV, he said: “It’s unbelievable, as soon as I heard of the interest, it was something I was desperate to make happen.
“Thankfully, we’ve managed to do it quite quickly, so I can’t wait to get going now. I don’t think Leeds United needs selling to anyone, to be honest. It is a huge football club.