Rothwell to Become Rangers’ Second Summer Signing
Rangers are reportedly closing in on their second deal of the summer, with Bournemouth midfielder Joe Rothwell set to reunite with manager Russell Martin at Ibrox. The 30‑year‑old has already undergone his medical, with a three‑year contract expected to be announced shortly.
Rothwell brings a wealth of experience—garnered across promotions with Southampton and Leeds United—and a close working relationship with Martin.
The two first collaborated during Southampton’s 2023 Championship play‑off run, where Rothwell notably praised Martin’s handwritten encouragement letters ahead of the fina. He then played 36 times as Leeds clinched Championship glory in the 2024–25 season.
Why Rothwell fits the bill
Set‑piece quality: Last season, Rothwell led Championship players with 43 created chances from dead ball situations and ranked second in direct assists from set‑plays([ibroxnews.com][3]). Rangers, who scored only 13 set‑piece goals last season, could benefit greatly from this precision as they prepare for Champions League qualifiers.
Affordable experience: With just a year left on his Bournemouth contract, Rothwell is seen as a value signing—especially compared to pricier alternatives like Flynn Downes.
Leadership and familiarity: His previous success under Martin, combined with a proven track record in high‑pressure environments, makes him a strategic fit as Rangers push for domestic and European competitiveness.
Rothwell’s arrival follows the loan signing of right‑back Max Aarons from Bournemouth and is likely to be joined soon by Conor Coady to fortify the defence. Martin is keen to finalise squad reinforcements quickly ahead of the Champions League qualification campaign.
The Uncertain Future of Nico Raskin
While Rangers are pursuing new faces, the midfield position faces an entirely different storyline. Belgian international Nico Raskin has been a cornerstone of the squad since arriving from Standard Liège in January 2023. This summer, he has attracted attention from Premier League sides such as Aston Villa, Leeds, Wolves, Porto, and Marseille.
To retain him, Rangers have opened contract renewal talks, pushing his valuation up to around £30 million and hinting at a role in the captaincy group. Manager Russell Martin has publicly stated the club’s desire to hold onto key contributors “unless things come in that really help the club to build and move forward”.
Raskin has been instrumental on the pitch—tallying tackles, interceptions, goals, and impressive passing stats—earning Belgium senior caps in 2025. He was also named Rangers’ Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year—underscoring his importance.
Club position
The club values him at around £25–30 million, with Villa reportedly willing to match too([teamtalk.com][8]). The new ownership group, backed by 49ers Enterprises, is expected to support Martin’s decision to build the midfield spine around Raskin if he commits long-term.
Rothwell’s imminent signing underscores Martin’s ambition to inject experience and tactical know‑how into his desired midfield trio—potentially alongside Raskin and Mohamed Diomande. Meanwhile, Raskin’s future hangs in the balance, with contract talks shaping a crucial decision: hold onto a midfield lynchpin or cash in on big‑money interest.
With Rangers gearing up for a decisive summer, both arrivals and departures will define the squad’s readiness for domestic and European campaigns.