Leeds United remain at the forefront of the Championship table after 31 matches, looking in good shape for promotion to the Premier League.
With only 15 matches remaining, supporters can already think about what needs to be done in the summer to ensure that Leeds remain competitive if they do get promoted.
One major worry is recruiting suitable players, and football analyst Carlton Palmer has told what he thinks about one very important signing.
Leeds Need Strong Signings for Premier League
Despite the past season’s difficulties, Leeds’ fans have been excited about the prospects of returning to the Premier League although the management of the club needs to take lessons from the past.
The club’s relegation in 2023 can be attributed to overspending on players not suited for the top tier, and to avoid this problem in the future, they need to be careful during the recruitment drive.
Talks are buzzing about the possibility of permanently signing Joe Rothwell given his strong performances this season.
The attacking midfielder was part of Bournemouth’s squad last season, but has moved to Leeds on loan.
Rothwell has made vital contributions that helped Leeds succeed in the Championship.
Unfortunately, Palmer has warned Leeds that spending money on him after getting promoted would be a bad idea.
Carlton Palmer Says Rothwell Not Worth It
Palmer in particular thinks Rothwell excels in the Championship, but does not cut it in the Premier League.
Bournemouth will most likely demand a fee of around £7.5 million, but Palmer considers him unworthy of such valuation.
“Joe Rothwell has been a mainstay for Leeds United, playing in 23 Championship games, and it is expected that the 30-year-old will cost around £7.5 million and £30,000 in wages,” Palmer told Football League World.
“If Leeds United are promoted, is he worth signing for that amount of money? No, not in my opinion.”
Palmer emphasized that Rothwell lacks Premier League experience and has played only 20 matches during the 2022-23 season with Bournemouth and 11 the following season, prior to his loan.
The simple fact that Bournemouth farmed him out hints that they did not regard him as a good player for the premier division.
Leeds Must Be Ruthless in Transfers
Leeds have done well with their signings this season, bringing in players like Rothwell who helped them push for promotion.
He has been a key part of the midfield, especially when Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev were injured.
However, Palmer insists that Leeds must think carefully and not let emotions decide their transfers.
“He is a proven Championship player at Blackburn Rovers, and he consistently played over 30 games in the Championship a season. He’s a very good Championship player but just a bit short of quality in the Premier League,” Palmer added.
Leeds fans may like Rothwell, but the club needs better players to stay in the Premier League.
Spending £7.5 million and paying high wages for a player who has struggled in the top division might not be the best move.
Leeds need to be smart and aim for stronger, more reliable players in the summer transfer window.
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