MillwallSport

Opinion: Millwall’s impressive start to transfer window boosts hopes of another Championship play-off challenge

Millwall have made an impressive start to the summer transfer window as they gear up for the 2022-23 campaign.

The Lions had eight departures at the end of last season – nine if you include the returning Benik Afobe, who had previously only been on loan.

The South London club lost experience in the shape of Maikel Kieftenbeld and club captain Alex Pearce. And they also saw talisman Jed Wallace reject a contract extension and plump for a free transfer to West Bromwich Albion.

Loanees Sheyi Ojo, Luke Freeman, Dan Ballard and Oliver Burke all departed – three of the four have now signed for new clubs.

The last of the outgoings was Connor Mahoney, who was released after two years at The Den.

But Millwall have moved fast and efficiently to improve the squad and all of a sudden have the potential to challenge once again for the play-offs  – especially if the two three “quality” signings that manager Gary Rowett wants come to fruition.

Here we look at the players that Millwall have brought in and what they will add to the current side.

ZIAN FLEMMING

The attacking midfielder was the first through the door this summer in a move that broke the Lions previous transfer record – a £1.7million arrival from Fortuna Sittard.

The 23-year-old’s ideal position is attacking midfield, despite being able to play as a second striker.

If he were to play in the number 10 spot, he would be up against players such as Mason Bennett and Tyler Burey for that role.

Bennett and Burey both offer different qualities to Flemming – the duo have a bit more pace and directness. Flemming is more creative with his passes and late runs into the box.

Flemming’s ability to cause the opposition’s defence havoc with his vision and quality could become one of Millwall’s biggest weapons.

GEORGE HONEYMAN 

Honeyman came in as Millwall’s second signing of the summer. The 27-year-old joined from Hull City for an undisclosed fee.

The central midfield area has a lot of squad depth with George Saville, Billy Mitchell and George Evans all competing for starting spots.

Honeyman adds a bit of a different dimension with his willingness to get into the box as well as do the hard yards with his tenacity.

Mitchell and Saville were first choice in central midfield at the end of the last campaign but either could work nicely alongside Honeyman.

The former Sunderland captain also has leadership qualities from his time with the Black Cats.

With the rules changing back to being able to make five substitutions – an increase from the maximum of three last season – Millwall’s depth in the middle of the park could be really useful.

BENIK AFOBE

The 29-year-old is back for his third spell at the club.

Afobe worked so effectively up top with Tom Bradshaw – the pair gaining a real understanding.

Afobe has so much quality on the ball – it was there for all to see against Barnsley at The Den in April, when his drag back helped assist Danny McNamara’s second of the game.

The former Stoke man makes intelligent runs and Flemming could be the man to provide Afobe with plenty of opportunities.

The striker had an impressive campaign last year, netting 13 goals and three assists in all competitions for the Lions.

CHARLIE CRESSWELL

The Lions have plenty of experience in the backline with Shaun Hutchinson, Jake Cooper, Murray Wallace and Scott Malone all over the age of 27.

But Leeds United loanee Cresswell could offer something different to his defensive partners. The 19-year-old’s quality on the ball makes him similar to former loanee Daniel Ballard, who slotted into the right side of a back three.

He has the ability to step out of defence and drive forward with the ball – the confidence he shows when doing that is immense.

With two experienced pros next to him, he will thrive in a back three and will add that missing piece to the jigsaw that could help Millwall play out from the back more efficiently.

WHAT MORE IS NEEDED?

One area that Millwall could do with some cover is at full-back. Ryan Leonard played at right-back when Danny McNamara was injured and Murray Wallace is a great replacement at left-wing back for Scott Malone. But if there were to be some injuries at centre-back roles that would take Wallace away from covering Malone.

The attacking positions could also do with some additions. Benik Afobe and Tom Bradshaw are the only current senior strikers apart from Isaac Olaofe, who has just returned from a second loan spell with Sutton, and is yet to establish himself in the senior set up.

You do have versatility in Bennett and Burey, but an extra one or two bodies in the final third would be perfect to add the squad depth.

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