Millwall intend to strengthen forward line as Rowett discusses Benik Afobe’s switch to Dubai club

Millwall will look to add to their attacking options after agreeing to tear up Benik Afobe’s deal so he could set off on a new adventure in Dubai.

The forward, 30, has signed for Hatta Club, who play in the second tier in the United Arab Emirates.

Millwall and Afobe mutually agreed to the termination of his contract, which had been due to expire at the end of June.

The former Arsenal, Bournemouth, Bristol City and Wolves striker flew out for a medical after the 3-0 win over Rotherham United on New Year’s Day.
Afobe has recently returned from a knee injury that sidelined him for five matches.

He top-scored with 13 goals for the Lions last season, arriving on loan in July. Millwall signed him in the summer after Afobe’s move to Club Brugge collapsed.

Rowett, who also snapped up Afobe when he was boss at Stoke City, told the South London Press: “He’s been out injured for a little while and he felt for him and his family it was the right move at this point.

“We’ve agreed to letting him do that, based on the fact we want to strengthen in the forward line area.

“It’s been difficult for him to get that continuity this year and to perform in the way he did last year for different reasons.

“It was something he wanted to do and we didn’t want him to feel we stood in the way of that and not be able to give us the impact we need.

“He’s a good lad, Benik. He’s at a different stage of his career. What we want to try and do is bring in someone a little bit younger and with a bit more to prove – see if they can strengthen the squad further.

“He is a player I’ve known for a long time and I’d signed before.

“To score 13 goals [first time around] was excellent, he finished as our top scorer.

“This year we hoped it would be the same. It hasn’t quite worked out that way. Due to the fact he has been out injured, that was something we were having to manage. It was going to be difficult to do that for the rest of the season when the games start coming thick and fast.

“When a player wants to do something that is right for their family and gives them a little more long-term security, a different type of move, you know it isn’t going to help anyone if you stand in their way.

“It gives us an opportunity to do what we want to do, which is strengthen in those areas. We wish him all the best.”

Midfielder George Evans could be another exit from the squad.

The former Derby County and Manchester City midfielder is inside the final six months of his Millwall terms and has made just eight appearances.

“There has been a little bit of interest in George,” said Rowett.

“He has played a lot of games in his career and there will be a frustration there that he wants to play more regularly.

“I’ve got a good relationship with Evo and I also understand the situation. He has been a really valued member of our squad.”