Joe Rothwell has officially completed his move from Rangers to Sheffield United, with both clubs confirming the permanent transfer on deadline day.
Rangers announced the midfielder’s departure in a brief statement: “We can today confirm Joe Rothwell has joined Sheffield United on a permanent deal for an undisclosed fee.
“He departs with the best wishes of everyone at Rangers.”
The message brings a swift end to Rothwell’s short spell at Ibrox, a move that never fully gathered momentum following his arrival north of the border.
Sheffield United, meanwhile, have moved quickly to integrate the 31-year-old into their plans, confirming via their website that Rothwell has signed an 18-month contract with the Blades after completing his medical on deadline day.
In a statement on their official website, they said: “Joe Rothwell, who has twice won promotion from the Championship, has agreed an 18-month deal with the Blades.
“He signs from Rangers, for whom he has had a short spell north of the border after winning the Championship with Leeds United last season.
“The 31-year-old completed his medical and signed on deadline day of the winter transfer window to bolster United's midfield.
“Manchester-born Rothwell progressed through the ranks at Manchester United, prior to signing a professional contract in 2013 after over a decade at the club, with loan spells at Blackpool and Barnsley following. In July 2016, having rejected the chance to prolong his stay with the Red Devils, Rothwell penned a two-year deal at Oxford United, scoring his first senior goal against Macclesfield Town in a second-round FA Cup replay, with his first league goal coming against Bury in March 2017.
“The England youth international left the U's in June 2018, joining Blackburn Rovers for an undisclosed fee and the midfielder went on to rack up in excess over 150 appearances at Ewood Park across a four-year stint in the north-west.
“In June 2022, newly promoted Bournemouth acquired Rothwell's services on a free transfer following the expiry of his deal at Blackburn and he made over 30 top-flight appearances across two years.
“In more recent times, Rothwell has won consecutive promotions to the Premier League, firstly with Southampton via the play-offs, then automatically with Leeds last term, prior to moving north of the border.”
Rothwell made 20 goalless appearances for Rangers, providing three assists.
Any transfer fee is expected to be nominal as Rangers prioritise a cleansing of their wage bill ahead of the second half of the season with Hansa Rostock striker Ryan Naderi expected to be the Gers only deadline day addition.