‘It was difficult for me’ – Millwall boss disappointed to lose Zian Flemming on final day of transfer window

Neil Harris has expressed his disappointment at seeing Zian Flemming depart Millwall on transfer deadline day.

The Netherlands midfielder joined Burnley on a season-long loan with the Clarets agreeing to a permanent transfer worth more than £7 million next summer.

The deal represents a healthy profit for Millwall, who had initially signed Flemming from Fortuna Sittard for £1.7 million in the summer of 2022.

The Lions secured Serbian striker Mihalio Ivanovic before the cut-off for deals with the 19-year-old becoming their new record signing.

“We’ve sold Zian Flemming for a healthy profit – I have to accept that as head coach,” said Harris. “That is the model that we are creating.

“It was difficult for me as a manager. I don’t want to lose my most influential attacking player on the last day with no-one to replace him – other than Mihailo, who has come in and is going to be missing for eight weeks.”

When asked how the deal came about, Harris explained: “The bid came in late.

“They made a very good offer to the football club, and the club decided to sell. I don’t have a say in matters like that.”