Rangers must sell flop who’s worth less than Rothwell

No one of a Rangers persuasion will be getting carried away, but after the mess left behind by Russell Martin and co, the new Danny Rohl regime at Ibrox has made quiet progress in recent weeks.

Of course, there’s still been the hammer blow of dismal displays in Europe, with the Gers having notably been beaten by Hungarian side Ferencvaros in the Europa League last week, yet with six wins and two draws from his eight Premiership games in charge, the German coach has certainly steadied the ship domestically.

Now just three points behind latest crisis club, Celtic, and with a game in hand on leaders Hearts, a title bid is certainly not off the table, not least with the chance to strengthen in January.

Possible incomings – with midfielder Pierre Ekwah among the reported targets – may come amid a raft of outgoings too, with summer arrival Joe Rothwell among those looking all but certain to leave when the window opens next month.

Why Rothwell has been such a disaster at Rangers

Previously part of Martin’s promotion-winning Southampton side in 2023/24, there was sense in the experienced midfielder reuniting with his former boss this summer, having appeared an astute pick-up on a free transfer.

Signed on a three-year deal, the 30-year-old was also off the back of an impressive 2024/25 campaign on loan at Leeds United, again helping the Elland Road side to secure promotion.

The Englishman made 36 Championship appearances for Daniel Farke’s side, registering four assists, while – as per FBref – he ranked in the top 8% of midfielders in the division for progressive passes, the top 3% for shot-creating actions and the top 6% for attempted passes per 90.

That level player, unfortunately, just hasn’t been seen in a Rangers shirt, with Rothwell swiftly fading from view since the change in the dugout, after featuring just twice under the Rohl regime.

It’s not as if he was thriving even under Martin either, however, with former teammate Barry Douglas of the opinion that he was being played out of position in a deep-lying role, suggesting that he “needs to be in the pockets” in a more advanced midfield berth.

Regardless, the man who is yet to score in 19 games for the club appears to already be heading for a swift exit, with Sheffield United seemingly leading the race for his signature.

A return to the EFL could be a welcome solace for the Ibrox flop, with the same perhaps true of another of his forgotten teammates.

Why Rangers need to ditch star worth less than Rothwell

Whether the Gers are able to rake in a fee for Rothwell, or whether he will simply see his contract terminated by mutual agreement, remains to be seen, with any figure like to be minimal regardless, considering he is valued at around just €1.2m (£1m), as per Transfermarkt.

The one-time Manchester United youth man isn’t the only free transfer signing who appears in need of a fresh start, however, with compatriot Kieran Dowell another who would surely benefit from a return to England’s lower leagues.

Signed from Norwich City in the summer of 2023, the one-time Everton starlet has endured a miserable, forgettable spell north of the border, scoring just twice in 38 appearances, while registering just three assists.

For a player signed to offer a creative spark either as a number ten or off the right flank, such a record simply isn’t good enough, with it perhaps begging the question why he has not been moved on sooner, after spending the second half of last season on loan at Birmingham City.

That stint in League One did yield ten goals and assists in 23 games, although such momentum hasn’t been carried back into his parent club, after featuring just six times in all competitions in 2025/26.

Yet to play a single minute since Rohl took charge, the 28-year-old – who is out of contract in June – was a surprise inclusion on the bench for the recent win over Hibernian, although, like Rothwell, his Rangers career looks to be heading for a climax.

Indeed, recent reports have suggested that the Glasgow side would be open to selling him next month, amid his expiring deal, with Hull City among those believed to be interested, albeit with a loan in mind.

As is the case with Rothwell, whether the Gers would actually be able to receive a fee for their forgotten man is another matter, with Dowell actually only valued at €600k (£520k), as per Transfermarkt.

In any case, a clean break would be the best solution for both parties, with those at Ibrox having perhaps learned their lesson now after a string of failed signings from England’s second and third tier.

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