Southampton manager Russell Martin’s previous comments on Leeds United’s recent signing should please Whites fans.
Leeds secured their third signing of the summer on Thursday evening, with Joe Rothwell joining on a season-long loan from Bournemouth.
Rothwell has joined Joe Rodon and Alex Cairns in making the move to Elland Road this summer, indicating that Daniel Farke wants to boost the squad’s experience.
Rodon was at Leeds last season and is currently in the prime of his career, whereas Cairns is coming in as a third-choice goalkeeper to replace Kristoffer Klaesson, with an eight-year age gap.
Rothwell, however, has around 200 matches under his belt across the top two levels of English football and though clearly isn’t a direct substitute for Archie Gray, provides more experience to Leeds’ midfield.
What Martin has said about new Leeds acquisition Joe Rothwell
Leeds’ failure to achieve promotion last season was largely down to a lack of goals from midfielders.
If the front four was not blazing for whatever reason, Leeds just didn’t have anyone else on the pitch who could score. During the 46-game regular season, none of Farke’s midfielders managed to score.
However, Rothwell’s addition should definitely change that. In 168 Championship appearances, he has 14 goals and 18 assists, four of which were on loan to Southampton in the second half of the season.
Two of his goals came in the same game against Sunderland, when he was sent on as a substitute with 17 minutes remaining after Southampton had lost a two-goal lead.
But it was his introduction that changed the game, as he scored twice late on to help the Saints win 4-2, prompting boss Martin to describe him as a ‘great finisher’.
He told beIN Sports, “Joe is an incredible finisher.” The first appears to be simple, but it is not; it is a half-volley, while the second demonstrates amazing composure. He was fantastic when he came on.
“Him and Joe Aribo may be angry that they are not starting, but they have two players in front of them who have been playing exceptionally well.
“It is good problems for me but they have to keep doing what they have been doing when they get on to the pitch and being frustrated at not playing.”
Ross McCormack is satisfied with Leeds’ signing of Rothwell.
Though Rothwell may not be the marquee signing that Leeds fans hoped for, it is undoubtedly a sound financial decision.
Experience is what Farke is seeking for this summer, and Rothwell ticks that box. It’s also important that he can score from midfield.
He will be a good bench option if Ethan Ampadu and Glen Kamara return as Leeds’ first choice partnership, considerably increasing the squad’s depth.
Former Leeds striker Ross McCormack is clearly pleased with the signing, as evidenced by his Instagram post. He wrote: “Big signing that. Well done all.”
