Nottingham Forest’s summer of 2022 was one of significant change and upheaval. Following their promotion back to the Premier League, the club’s owner Evangelos Marinakis oversaw a major overhaul of the squad, with 21 new players arriving at the City Ground. However, one player who rejected the chance to join Forest that summer has now found himself signing for a Championship side.
Midfielder Joe Rothwell was a target for Forest in 2022, but he opted instead to join Bournemouth. At the time, it seemed like a smart move, with Bournemouth also playing in the Premier League. However, things haven’t quite worked out for Rothwell on the south coast. Despite making 35 appearances for the Cherries over the last two years, he has struggled to establish himself in the team, scoring just one goal and providing one assist.
Rothwell’s decision to snub Forest has likely been a source of regret for the midfielder. While Bournemouth have managed to maintain their Premier League status, Forest have established themselves as a solid mid-table team, with a squad that includes talented players like Morgan Gibbs-White and Murillo. Rothwell, on the other hand, has found himself loaned out to Southampton earlier this season, where he was hailed as “amazing” by Russell Martin.
Now, Rothwell has made the move to Leeds United on loan, a decision that he says he was “desperate” to make happen. Speaking to the club’s media team, he expressed his enthusiasm for the challenge ahead. “It’s unbelievable, as soon as I heard of the interest, it was something I was desperate to make happen and thankfully we’ve managed to do it quite quickly, so I can’t wait to get going now,” he said.
Rothwell’s move to Leeds is a smart one for the midfielder, who will be looking to get more regular game time and prove himself in the Championship. With Forest preparing for their third consecutive season in the Premier League, Rothwell’s decision to reject them in 2022 must be a source of regret. He could have been a part of a team that is now established in the top flight, instead of fighting for promotion with Leeds.
However, Rothwell’s move to Leeds also represents a fresh start for the midfielder. At 29 years old, he still has plenty of time to establish himself as a top player, and his experience in the Premier League will be invaluable to his new team. With Leeds looking to bounce back to the top flight after their relegation last season, Rothwell could be a key player in their promotion push.
In the end, Rothwell’s decision to reject Forest in 2022 may have been a blessing in disguise. While he may have regretted his choice at times, his move to Leeds represents a new opportunity for him to prove himself and achieve his goals. As for Forest, they will be focused on building on their solid foundation in the Premier League, with a squad that is capable of pushing for a top-half finish. The future is bright for both Rothwell and Forest, even if their paths didn’t quite cross as expected.