Chris Wilder may have had a tumultuous history at Leeds United, becoming a target for mockery from the likes of Patrick Bamford and Harry Gray after Daniel Farke’s Norwich City outperformed Sheffield United in the race for automatic promotion. Previous comments made by Wilder, such as calling Bamford a “muppet” during a promotion battle in 2019, further fueled the rivalry between the manager and Leeds fans.
Despite past tensions, the 58-year-old manager welcomed Bamford to Bramall Lane in November, marking a surprising turn of events. Now, reports from the Daily Record suggest that Wilder is looking to add another former Leeds player to his squad in the form of Joe Rothwell.
Sheffield United is reportedly optimistic about securing the 30-year-old midfielder from Rangers during the upcoming winter transfer window. Rothwell, who played a significant role in Leeds’ Championship title-winning campaign last season with 36 appearances, has struggled for game time under Rangers’ current manager, Danny Rohl, featuring in only two matches since Rohl’s appointment.
With Rothwell falling out of favor at Ibrox and left out of recent matchday squads, Sheffield United appears to be in a strong position to secure his services. This potential move would see Rothwell reunite with former Leeds teammate Jamie Shackleton at Bramall Lane, potentially creating a mini-Leeds contingent under Wilder’s reign.
Chris Sutton had expressed concern for Rothwell’s situation at Rangers, highlighting the toxic environment and pressure affecting the midfielder. If the move to Sheffield United materializes as expected, it presents an opportunity for Rothwell to reignite his career and find success under Wilder’s management, away from the challenging circumstances he has faced at Rangers.
