5 players Millwall should sign this Summer
Millwall have faced a tough summer so far, with Mikel Kieftenbeld being the latest of last season’s Lions to depart the club. There is also another issue with many of Millwall’s successful loanees having to go back to their former sides, most notably Benik Afobe and Daniel Ballard, both of whom played a crucial role in a relatively successful 2021/22 season for the Lions.
It is clear that Millwall are going to need to invest in some new faces if we want to compete with the rest of the Championship this season, so I have put together a list of 5 players I would love to see at the Den next season.
Dominic Telford (Newport County)
With Benik Afobe going back to Stoke, Jed Wallace almost definitely leaving the club, and both Smith and Bodvarsson leaving in January, there is no doubting the Lions are in desperate need of some attacking options, and despite having a low budget, this would for me be seen as a decent solution to this issue. Even though he spent last year playing League Two football, I feel that Dom Telford would be the perfect Benik Afobe replacement for the summer window. He has not played in the Championship since he was a teen, so this move would no doubt be a risky one. However, with 25 goals in 37 League Two appearances for Newport in League Two last season, I have no doubt that he could bag a few in the Championship next season.
Charlie Austin (Free Agent)
Whilst he may not be at the peak of his career, there is no doubt that Charlie Austin still has ability. The English-born striker has done it everywhere in English football, from non-league to the Premier League. There is also an argument for him being a huge asset off the pitch, as he could work on mentoring some of the younger strikers coming up such as Tyler Burey and Isaac Olaofe. There is a guarantee with Austin that if you give him chances, he will find the goal. And with full backs Scott Malone and Danny Mcnamara whipping in crosses, I can’t see a way that Austin wouldn’t be capable of bagging 10 goals next season if he was to move to the Lions.
John Mcatee (Grimsby Town)
Even though he was playing non-league football last season, there is no doubt that Mcatee is more than ready for a big move, and whilst his beloved Grimsby Town managed to secure promotion to League Two in 2021/22, the 22 year old would not be able to turn down a move to a Championship club next season. My pick for Non League player of the season last year, Mcatee would be a risk as he has never played at this level, but his creative ability in the No.10 role is something I feel we could seriously use next season in the Championship, especially if Jed Wallace leaves (which is looking more and more likely by the day).
Tom Lawrence (Derby County)
Whilst Derby County had an underwhelming end of the season, being relegated to League One, they would have finished mid-table in the Championship had it not been for injuries, meaning that half of their squad at least will be ready to play in the Championship next season, and will have the quality to do so. Whilst Tom Lawrence didn’t hit the heights of previous seasons in 2021/22, there is no doubting that this man has quality. He is also a player of whom Rowett has experience managing, therefore potentially putting the Lions in a fantastic position to be able to sign the Welshman. Also, whilst he has already had a fantastic career, it is easy to forget that he is only 28, meaning that there is still potential for Rowett to have him play a role in this Millwall side for a few years as we push towards our Premier League dream.
Cameron Borthwick-Jackson (Burton Albion)
Seeing as Burton Albion managed to sign Brown on a free from Oldham Athletic in 2021, you would not think he would be one of the players in this list, however since signing for Burton Albion, he has been a massive part of their squad and a solid member of the defense, making 37 appearances for the Brewers in League One. The Lions may need to look to the lower leagues when recruiting players for the upcoming season as Millwall do not have as much disposable income as some other teams in the second tier. The need for a left back is huge for the 2022/23 season, seeing as Murray Wallace has been predominantly used as a centre back recently.
Written by Kieran Hill For That Millwall Podcast.
Twitter: @kieranhillfooty