Ex-Blackburn midfielder Joe Rothwell signed for Bournemouth on a free four-year deal

Bournemouth lure free agent Joe Rothwell on a four-year deal less than six months after failing to sign him from Blackburn on deadline day as the Cherries continue to bolster the squad ahead of their Premier League return

  • Joe Rothwell has signed a four-year deal with newly-promoted Bournemouth
  • The club tried to sign him in January on deadline day but the deal fell through
  • The midfielder impressed with Blackburn last campaign assisting 10 in 41 games
  • He is the Cherries’ second summer signing after the arrival of Ryan Fredericks 
  • Fulham and Nottingham Forest ‘were also interested in clinching his signature’

Bournemouth have completed the signing of midfielder Joe Rothwell on a four-year deal.

The 27-year-old makes the move down south following the expiry of his contract at Blackburn Rovers.

He becomes Bournemouth’s second signing of the summer following the arrival of Ryan Fredericks.

Ex-Blackburn midfielder Joe Rothwell signed for Bournemouth on a free four-year deal

Ex-Blackburn midfielder Joe Rothwell signed for Bournemouth on a free four-year deal

The Cherries initially tried to sign the former Manchester United academy graduate on deadline day in January and have now finally agreed a deal.

Fellow newly-promoted outfits Fulham and Nottingham Forest were reportedly keen on the central midfielder, following his impressive season at Ewood Park.

Cherries chief executive Neill Blake told the club website: ‘Joe has been on our radar for a while now and we’re delighted to bring him to the club.

Scott Parker's Cherries are also discussing a move for Middlesbrough winger Marcus Tavernier

Scott Parker’s Cherries are also discussing a move for Middlesbrough winger Marcus Tavernier

The Cherries tried to sign him in January and have made good on a promise to return for him

The Cherries tried to sign him in January and have made good on a promise to return for him

‘Unsurprisingly, we had huge competition to sign Joe, so we’re really pleased that he has chosen AFC Bournemouth as the next step in his career.’

Rothwell notched three goals and 10 assists in 41 Championship matches last campaign, helping his side to an eighth-place finish just six points away from the league’s final play-off spot.

He managed a total of 160 appearances during his three-year stint at the club, following spells at Oxford United and Barnsley, as well as Manchester United’s under 23s.

Chief executive Neill Blake admitted Bournemouth had 'huge competition' to sign Rothwell

Chief executive Neill Blake admitted Bournemouth had ‘huge competition’ to sign Rothwell

Blake added: ‘Joe has proven himself as an outstanding midfielder in the Championship over the past few seasons and we believe he can continue his development under head coach Scott Parker and his coaching team.

‘He has superb attributes to complement our other midfield players and we’re happy to bring another exciting signing ahead of our upcoming Premier League campaign.’

Bournemouth have also expressed interest in Middlesbrough winger Marcus Tavernier and Barnsley midfielder Callum Styles, according to reports.

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