Southampton poised to finalise transfer swoop for Bournemouth player

Southampton have agreed a loan move for Bournemouth midfielder Joe Rothwell, with the Englishman having undergone a medical.

HIGHLIGHTS

After a difficult beginning, the former Swansea City manager took over in the summer and led them to a 19-game winning streak in the second division.

Their current form has moved them to within three points of second-place Ipswich Town and the automatic promotion spots.

Rothwell struggles for minutes at Bournemouth

The midfielder joined the Cherries on a free transfer from Blackburn Rovers in the summer of 2022 and made 20 Premier League appearances last season as Bournemouth avoided relegation.

However, Rothwell has fallen down the pecking order since the arrival of Andoni Iraola, averaging just 35 minutes in his 11 Premier League games in the first half of the 2023/24 season.

Bournemouth have an abundance of options in midfield and the Englishman finds himself behind Alex Scott, Ryan Christie and Philip Billing, with Tyler Adams also expected to return from long-term in the coming weeks.

A very competent passer of the ball, Rothwell was a key part of Blackburn’s midfield for four seasons and made 161 appearances for the Lancashire-based side.

Rothwell’s potential place in Southampton

A move to Southampton would be convenient for Rothwell, with the Saints located not far from his current base in Bournemouth.

Rothwell would have more opportunities for minutes in Martin’s side, with the promotion chasers lining up with three central midfielders, rather than the double pivot Iraola opts to deploy.

Although Southampton’s midfield choices are quite good right now, they lack some experience in the middle of the pitch due to the youth of its midfielders, notably Shea Charles, who is only 20 years old.

With 152 Championship games under his belt, Rothwell would provide quality and experience to the midfield and provide Martin another option as his team gets closer to the season’s final stretch.

The former Oxford United midfielder’s contract with Bournemouth expires in June 2026, but if he decides to leave the south coast, a successful loan with Southampton might help him find a new club in the summer.