Who is Joe Rothwell and what does he offer Southampton?

The first link for the 29 year old - or any central midfielder - only emerged on Sunday morning, with the deal progressing the same day. 

Saints manager Russell Martin has stated he also wants a Nathan Tella replacement during the January window as one of a maximum of two signings. 

But Rothwell is set to be the first capture of the month - here is what we know about him and what he can offer Saints... 

Joe Rothwell and Saints captain Jack Stephens while both at AFC Bournemouth (Image: PA)

Who is Joe Rothwell? 

Rothwell is a 29 year old right-footed central midfielder from Manchester, where he came through the academy at Manchester United. 

He was a regular for the under-21s at the Red Devils, playing in Premier League and UEFA Youth League competitions but never making a senior debut.

Rothwell has racked up 152 Championship appearances - scoring 10 goals and providing 18 assists - as well as 73 League One appearances. 

Standing at over six-foot tall, Rothwell has played for Barnsley, Oxford United, Blackburn Rovers and AFC Bournemouth.

At Blackburn, he played alongside current Saints stars Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Adam Armstrong. 

He joined Premier League Bournemouth on a free transfer in June 2022, following the expiry of his contract, and made 31 Premier League appearances.

Reports suggesting Rothwell would not renew terms at Blackburn already surfaced during the January window and his departure was no surprise.

Rothwell made his debut for the Cherries against Saints as a substitute in their 1-0 defeat at Vitality Stadium in October 2022. 

When Rothwell signed for Bournemouth, he was described by a Rovers reporter as a quiet family man who would not cause any unrest in the dressing room. 

Joe Rothwell's AFC Bournemouth debut came against Saints (Image: PA)

How would you describe his style of play? 

Rothwell has played all over from wide left and in a midfield three - perhaps one reason why Martin has pursued him. 

Although he played further forward for Blackburn, his best position is described as outside a midfield three. 

Bournemouth Daily Echo reporter Tom Crocker said: "He is best as an eight and drives well with the ball." 

He scored his first goal for the Cherries with a direct free-kick that went through the crowd in a 2-0 EFL Cup win over Stoke City this season. 

Rothwell's biggest strength is ball-carrying and he would regularly wriggle through players with skill en route to scoring for Blackburn. 

During his final season in the Championship, Rothwell was in the top 10 per cent of players for progressive carries and successful take-ons. 

He registered an 85 per cent pass accuracy rate with short and medium passes and 10 assists put him the top five per cent of players. 

Although he rates highly in interceptions, his defensive actions such as tackles and blocks are low and he is not really to be considered a defensive midfielder. 

What has Rothwell said and what has been said about him?

On signing for Saints, Rothwell declared: “I’m thankful to Southampton for allowing me to come here.

"Hopefully, I can come in and show my experience of this league and help them get over the line.

“I can't wait to finally get going and put my boots on, and hopefully we can get the club back to where it belongs.”

On his Blackburn exit, Rothwell said: “It all started in the January window. It was quite close and things just couldn’t quite get agreed.

“The first couple of weeks after that was tough for myself and my family with the way it all broke out – it probably didn’t come out in the way I would have liked.

“There was a bit of backlash from the fans and stuff like that but that’s part and parcel of what it is. I just got my head down and I don’t feel like I let up."

In March 2023, former Bournemouth boss Gary O'Neil said: "Joe Rothwell has had a really good spell. He’s worked his socks off in training.

“I remember having a sit-down chat with him maybe six weeks ago and you’ve seen a real change in the way he goes about things.

“He’s got a lot more drive in his performance now. He’s much better than he was out of possession. Joe has made huge improvements.

“It was a tough start for him, with injury, but we're pleased with where Joe Rothwell is at the moment." 

Joe Rothwell spent four years at Blackburn Rovers (Image: PA)

Why are Saints signing him? 

His signing means Saints currently have five loan players registered, with a maximum of five permitted to be named in each matchday squad. 

With Saints also looking to bolster their attack, it could mean complications arise unless Mason Holgate returns to Everton or is otherwise left out. 

However, they decided to pull the trigger with Rothwell's availability coming up now.

Some concerns have been raised over a potential recall of Flynn Downes to West Ham but it has been reported elsewhere that there is no such clause in his deal. 

Rothwell is more of an attack-minded eight and instead provides competition to Will Smallbone. Joe Aribo is currently away at the Africa Cup of Nations. 

In the anchor Saints have Downes and Shea Charles and in the 10 there is Stuart Armstrong and Charly Alcaraz.

Charles has been operating as a backup to Smallbone, whereas Rothwell is ready to push the Irishman for his spot. 

When Aribo returns, it perhaps leaves Saints with one man too many and another potential headache. 

It seemed a strange one at first but it could be an important lift to the midfield three. His versatility will also come in handy. 

It probably falls under the category of 'you can never have too many good players,' while Martin feels he offers something different. 

Joe Rothwell offers unique experience to Southampton's midfield (Image: PA)