Millwall achieved a commendable mid-table finish last season but are set to improve next time around, potentially finding solutions in the Premier League.
The Lions have demonstrated their knack for acquiring top talent from lower leagues, exemplified by their astute signing of Macaulay Langstaff.
However, to catch up with the play-off contenders this season, they might need to add some quality and experience from the Premier League.
Here, FLW examines four Premier League players Millwall could target…
Paris Maghoma
The Lions currently have four listed central midfielders, two of whom are over the age of 31.
Adding some youthful competition seems necessary, and Paris Maghoma from Brentford could be a promising acquisition.
The 23-year-old recently had a successful loan spell with Bolton Wanderers, arguably his best season yet, scoring eight goals and providing four assists in 37 League One appearances.
This strong progress from the former Tottenham Hotspur academy prospect almost led to promotion, but Bolton fell short at Wembley.
To advance further, Maghoma may need a move, and Millwall could be the ideal destination. Breaking into a Premier League side might be too ambitious at this stage. With just 12 months remaining on his contract, either a permanent or a loan deal could be possible, depending on his career goals and Brentford’s plans for him.
Similar to the situation at right-back, Millwall lack a reliable option in the attacking third on the right flank, with various players having to fill in out of their natural positions.
Kasey McAteer
Leicester City’s Kasey McAteer is entering the final year of his contract, and with Leicester’s return to the Premier League, his playing time is uncertain. The club has signed Bobby De Cordova-Reid and Issahaku Fatawu, the latter on a costly permanent move after a successful loan spell, putting McAteer’s minutes in doubt.
With only a year left on his contract at the King Power Stadium, a deal could be made that benefits all parties. Journalist Paul Abbandonato has reported that Cardiff City is in talks for McAteer, so Millwall might consider intercepting that move.
McAteer, who scored six times in just 23 Championship appearances last season, is an exciting prospect at 22 years old and could fill a crucial gap in Millwall’s squad.
Kasey McAteer
Since signing for Fulham in 2022, Kevin Mbabu has made only seven appearances for the club and has spent more time out on loan than with his parent team.
It’s fair to say the 29-year-old’s stint at Craven Cottage hasn’t gone as planned, and both he and the club are likely eager to find a solution.
The right-back’s two loan spells have taken him back to Switzerland and to Augsburg in the Bundesliga. With a year left on his contract and a club option for an additional year, the Cottagers might be willing to send him out on loan again to reduce his impact on their wage bill. Alternatively, a cut-price permanent deal could be considered to recoup some of their initial £6.4 million investment.
Mbabu clearly has a fondness for English football, having spent his early career with Newcastle United and more recently moving to Fulham. Despite his tough spell at Fulham, which likely hasn’t garnered many top-flight admirers, Millwall could leverage this and their location in the capital to put together an attractive offer for the Switzerland international.
The Lions have only one natural right-back in their squad, Danny McNamara, so adding competition at this position could elevate performances to a level befitting a club with aspirations of climbing the league. Mbabu’s top-flight European experience and international pedigree would be an incredible asset for Millwall.
Convincing Mbabu to join a second-tier club might require some effort, but the financial power within the Championship, along with the potential pathway to the Premier League, often makes it competitive with the top divisions of many countries in terms of quality.
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