Glasgow Rangers midfielder Joe Rothwell looks set for a swift departure from Ibrox, just months after completing a permanent move from Bournemouth during the summer.
According to the Daily Record, Sheffield United are confident of striking a deal to bring the 30-year-old to Bramall Lane when the January transfer window opens. Chris Wilder is keen to add experience to his midfield, and Rothwell has emerged as a leading target after falling out of favour in Glasgow.
Rothwell has not featured in a Scottish Premiership match since October and has struggled to cement a regular place under new head coach Danny Rohl. The former Leeds and Southampton loanee has made just five league starts this season, failing to make the desired impact in the centre of the park.
Rangers plan midfield refresh
An exit for Rothwell would allow Rangers to reshape their midfield, and the club already appear to have a replacement in mind. TEAMtalk reports that the Light Blues are prepared to green-light Rothwell’s departure after identifying Tromsø midfielder Jens Hjerto-Dahl as a priority target.
Rangers have reportedly scouted the 20-year-old extensively and have been impressed by his performances in Norway’s Eliteserien. Hjerto-Dahl has been a standout performer across the 2024 and 2025 seasons, becoming a regular starter despite his young age.
The report adds that Tromsø would demand a fee in the region of £5 million to part with the highly rated midfielder, but Rangers believe he represents a long-term upgrade on Rothwell.
Why Hjerto-Dahl makes sense for Rangers
Hjerto-Dahl has been trusted as a first-team regular since his teenage years and has continued to develop rapidly. His maturity and consistency at such a young age underline why he is viewed as one of Norway’s brightest prospects.
Rangers analyst and Journal creator Kai Watson has described Hjerto-Dahl as “one of the biggest talents in Norway,” suggesting his arrival would be a “huge coup” for the club.
From a squad-building perspective, replacing a 30-year-old who has struggled for form with a 20-year-old midfielder offering growth, resale value, and long-term upside aligns perfectly with Rohl’s vision for the future at Ibrox.
While Rothwell has failed to deliver consistently in the Premiership, Hjerto-Dahl’s rise in Norway suggests Rangers could be securing a significant midfield upgrade if a deal is completed in January.
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