GLASGOW — Former Rangers FC midfielder Joe Rothwell has openly expressed regret about his brief spell at Ibrox after completing a sudden exit from the club in the closing hours of the January transfer window.
Rothwell, 31, arrived at Rangers in the summer of 2025 under then-manager Russell Martin and was expected to be a key part of the midfield. However, changes in management and tactical direction under Danny Rohl saw the English midfielder struggle for game time later in the season.
Despite beginning the season well and featuring regularly early on, Rothwell made just three appearances under Rohl and did not play in the league after October, leaving him frustrated and out of the first-team picture.
In a recent interview, Rothwell acknowledged the difficulty of his decision to move to Scotland and admitted that looking back, he may have underestimated how valuable his time at Ibrox could have been.
“I shouldn’t have left Rangers,” he said, reflecting on his short spell and the opportunities he missed to make a lasting impact.
On 2 February 2026, Rangers confirmed that Rothwell had completed a permanent transfer to English Championship side Sheffield United, signing an 18-month deal after passing his medical.
The deal marks the end of a short and disappointing chapter at Rangers for Rothwell, who had initially signed a three-year contract but leaves just seven months into his stay.
Rangers supporters have had mixed reactions to the move, with some wishing him well and others noting that tactical misfits and competition for places contributed to his struggles.
Meanwhile, Rangers continue to reshape their squad during the transfer window, with other fringe players also departing and new signings arriving to support manager Danny Rohl’s push in the Scottish Premiership and cup competitions.
