Millwall boss Gary Rowett delighted to land George Saville at knockdown price
Gary Rowett believes that George Saville’s last season at Middlesbrough “went under the radar” – and that Millwall have acted shrewdly in re-signing their former midfielder.
Saville joined the Teesside club for £7.5million in 2018. The Lions have not disclosed the fee they paid to bring him back this month.
Rowett said: “Last season his performances probably went under the radar a little bit. He was Middlesbrough’s second top-scorer with six. If you compare that to our squad then he’d have been up there with the likes of Scottie Malone, in terms of that extra goalscoring ability from a position you don’t expect lots and lots of goals from.
“He ’s proved consistently he can arrive and time runs into good areas – that he has that composure and quality. That’s what we’re looking for. But he’s also a player who has got a little bit of edge to him and extra winning mentality you’re looking to bring into the group also.
“He’s great business by the club as well. I won’t go into the numbers but they obviously sold him for a sizeable amount three years ago and have brought him back for a hell of a lot less. He’s in his prime.
“We’ve been looking for that position since before the end of last season.
“George was a name that got mentioned to us through different outlets, that he might be available. I think Middlesbrough were looking to do some other business and that it might suit George, with one year left, to maybe come back down south if that opportunity arose.
“He fitted our profile. He’s athletic, he gets around the pitch, he scores goals, he’s got good timing and he knows the club. He’s not going to walk into the training ground and be surprised at what he sees. He understands our fans and what they demand.
“There were a lot of plus points with it. When it started moving, it started moving very quickly. Both clubs have got an excellent relationship, therefore it was quite easy to come to an agreement. I’m really pleased with that one.”