EXCLUSIVE: Rotherham Star Powell Close to Salford City Deal

Joe Powell Set For Salford After Rotherham Relegation

Football Park can exclusively report that Rotherham midfielder Joe Powell is allegedly close to agreeing a deal to join League Two outfit Salford City on a free transfer after his contract expires on June 30th, according to an anonymous source.

With the Ammies' interest in Powell first reported earlier this month by the 72, it now seems as if a deal is close, with some even claiming that the two parties have shaken hands on a deal, with the transfer now confirmed.

Former Rotherham midfielder Joe Powell has signed a deal to join Salford on a free transfer. Salford have beaten off interest from a number of clubs to land the former West Ham youngster. #Ammies #Salford #rufc pic.twitter.com/basudanV4J

— Pete O'Rourke (@SportsPeteO) June 3, 2026

However, neither club has released any statement regarding a move, with the move remaining uncertain until one side provides clarity.

Experience Breeds Confidence

The 27-year-old played 30 times in League One as Rotherham suffered relegation to the fourth tier for the first time since 2007, while they also notched a second relegation in the space of three seasons.

Conversely, Salford finished fourth and battled their way to the play-off final at Wembley, where they came up just short of promotion with a 3-0 loss to Notts County. The Manchester-based club are now looking to build the squad ahead of next season, and their purported interest in Powell outlines a clear strategy to bring on players with plenty of EFL experience.

Formerly one of West Ham United’s most promising talents, Powell has accumulated experience throughout both League Two and League One with the likes of Northampton Town, Burton Albion, and most recently Rotherham.

If he is to sign a reported contract at the Peninsula Stadium, it would mark a return to League Two for the first time since 2019 in a loan spell with Northampton.

Accruing 239 League Two appearances since leaving West Ham the same year, Powell’s vast experience and ability to play at a higher level could be the missing piece of Salford’s promotion jigsaw, with the Ammies coming within touching distance of resuming their climb up the leagues last month.

Salford have gone through a period of stagnation in recent years – achieving three promotions in four years after being acquired by Man United’s famous ‘Class of 92’, their progress stalled upon reaching League Two in 2019. Since promotion to England’s fourth tier, they have failed to escape the division in any of the last seven campaigns.

This season's play-off final showing is by far the best sign of forward progress since 2022/23, when they also qualified for the play-offs, and the alleged signing of Powell signals a sign of genuine ambition from a board who almost allowed a tidal wave of momentum to go completely to waste.

Rotherham United have been RELEGATED to League Two 🚨📉 pic.twitter.com/VKYAH9UDuI

— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) April 14, 2026

Whether he goes to Salford or stays at Rotherham, Powell will likely be competing near the top of League Two either way. Relegated Rotherham will be expected to bounce straight back up, while Salford will be forecasted to strengthen their squad ahead of another play-off push.

As the rumoured first move of the transfer window for Salford, Powell’s arrival would be a very positive step in the right direction for the Ammies – if they can find a suitable replacement for recently dismissed manager Karl Robinson ahead of the 2026/27 season, they will almost certainly be amongst the favourites to go up.