Although Millwall finished in the middle of the table last season, they will likely do better this time around, and the Premier League might have answers.
With their astute acquisition of Macaulay Langstaff, the Lions demonstrated their capacity to enter divisions beneath them and acquire elite players.
However, some quality and experience from above might be the solution if they want to close the gap on the play-off chasing teams this season.
Here, FLW examines four Premier League players Millwall may want to take into consideration.
Kevin Mbabu
Kevin Mbabu has only made seven appearances for Fulham since joining the Championship team in 2022, and he has spent more time on loan than with his parent club.
It’s safe to say that the 29-year-old’s tenure at Craven Cottage has not gone as expected, and both sides are probably eager to solve the issue.
The right-back has returned to Augsburg in the Bundesliga and Switzerland for his two loans. The Cottagers might be happy to see him back out on loan to lessen his impact on their wage bill because he still has a year left on his contract and has a one-year club option. Alternatively, a cheap permanent deal could be on the table to make up any of their lost revenue.
Given that he started his career with Newcastle United and recently accepted a transfer to Fulham, Mbabu obviously has a fondness for English football. It’s unlikely that his difficult tenure with the latter won him many admirers in the upper echelons of the sport. Millwall could use that, along with their capital city location, to craft a compelling offer for the Switzerland international.
Since Danny McNamara is the only natural right-back on the Lions’ roster, some competition will probably spur players to play at a level more commensurate with a team looking to advance in the league. Without a doubt, Mbabu’s elite European experience and his reputation on the global scene would be a huge asset to Millwall.
The player may require some persuasion to transfer to a lower division, but the Championship frequently competes with the best leagues in many countries in terms of quality due to the money that is available there and the opportunity to advance to the Premier League.
Paris Maghoma
Of the four listed central midfield players for the Lions, half are older than 31.
It would seem appropriate to bring in some youth to provide some new competition, and Paris Maghoma from Brentford might make an intriguing addition.
The 23-year-old is coming off of what was likely his best season to date, scoring eight goals and dishing out four assists in 37 League One appearances while on loan at Bolton Wanderers.
The former Spurs academy prospect made significant progress last season. He had a significant influence on a campaign that nearly resulted in promotion, but the Trotters lost at Wembley.
Moving to a new place will be necessary to advance, and Millwall might be the best option. At this point, breaking into a Premier League team seems excessive. With just a year left on his contract, a loan or a permanent deal may be imminent, contingent upon his career goals and the offers Brentford is willing to make.
Kasey McAteer
Like at right-back, Millwall lack a reliable operator in the attacking third on the right flank, and to fill this hole, a number of players have taken on roles outside of their natural positions.
With Bobby De Cordova-Reid and Issahaku Fatawu joining the team this summer—the latter securing an expensive permanent move after a successful loan with the Foxes—KASEY McAteer of Leicester City is about to enter the final year of his contract. The club’s return to the Premier League may have cast doubt on his playing time.
There could be a deal that works for everyone, as he only has a year left on his current contract at King Power Stadium. Journalist Paul Abbandonato has reported that McAteer is being discussed by Cardiff City; therefore, the Lions may try to take advantage of this potential transfer.
The 22-year-old Leicester player, who scored six goals in just 23 Championship games the previous season, is an exciting prospect who would strengthen Millwall’s lineup.
Ryan Fraser
A large portion of Millwall’s left-wing talent consists of youthful players, such as Adam Mayor and Aidomo Emakhu, who are 19 and 20 years old, respectively.
Experience could be helpful in this situation, and the Lions might consider making a bold move for Ryan Fraser, who is currently with Newcastle.
The 30-year-old played in the second division for Southampton on loan during the previous season, where he scored six goals and provided two assists as the Saints advanced to the playoffs.
Although Fraser has stated that he would like to return to St Mary’s Stadium, the Premier League returnees already have two talented young left-sided players in Kamaldeen Sulemana and Samuel Edozie, so the Saints may not view this as a top priority as they get ready for the upcoming top-flight challenge.
Fraser is reportedly training with Newcastle’s youth teams, so a departure from the team appears likely, though Southampton is by no means a lock. It is advisable for Millwall to closely monitor those developments and contemplate whether they could intervene and provide greater assurance to the seasoned winger.
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