“Would be the perfect fit” – West Brom interested in swoop for 27-year-old: The verdict

This article is part of Football League World’s ‘The Verdict’ series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

West Bromwich Albion are reportedly one of the sides interested in signing Joe Rothwell following his release from Blackburn Rovers.

Rothwell has made 41 appearances in 2021/22 for Blackburn, scoring three goals and registering 10 assists.

However, with no agreement in place to extend his stay at Ewood Park, the midfielder will be on the move.

As per John Percy of The Telegraph, there’s interest from Nottingham Forest and also West Brom, as Steve Bruce plans for a sustained push for the top-six in 2022/23.

Our writers discuss the possibility of West Brom moving for the 27-year-old:

Chris Gallagher  

This would be a fantastic signing for Albion.

Steve Bruce has promised big changes at The Hawthorns this summer and the reality is that he needs four or five players to go straight into the team. So, it’s about identifying quality, but he is also is on a budget, meaning it won’t be easy.

So, with Rothwell available on a free transfer, you’d say he would be the perfect signing for the Baggies. His form with Blackburn over the years, but particularly this season, shows he is a top midfielder at this level. The 27-year-old would bring drive and quality to the centre of the park, with his ten assists showing he has that ability to find a pass that Albion have lacked at times.

The obvious issue is the competition that they face for his signature, with Bournemouth and Forest thought to be keen, but that shows what a coup it would be if Bruce can convince Rothwell to move to the West Midlands.

Ned Holmes

This could be a