Ivan Sunjic features: 5 free agents who Millwall must consider ASAP

Following a lackluster showing on the field, Millwall will be hoping to move up the Championship table again the following year.

The Lions had three different managers during the course of the season, which led to a turbulent campaign off the field. However, in February, former player and manager Neil Harris returned to The Den and guided the team out of the relegation zone, finishing nine points clear of the bottom three and in 13th place in the standings.

The South Bermondsey team demonstrated their ability on the field, but they will need to make sure everything goes smoothly in the summer transfer window to prevent a repeat of what happened the season before.

The attacker is attracting attention from the Tractor Boys

With that being said, Football League World takes a look at the free agents the Lions could look to sign in the summer ahead of the 2024/25 Championship season.

Ben Gibson

Ben Gibson, a defender for Norwich City, may be a wise addition for Millwall after the Canaries release him.

The 31-year-old played for Carrow Road for four years, three of those years on a regular basis, and established himself as a key member of their defense with 124 appearances across all competitions, including one Premier League season.

It would be a no-brainer to add his leadership qualities and experience to Millwall’s already formidable defensive options, especially because he would be joining the team without having to pay a transfer price. He has captained the team on several occasions.

However, his pay could be a major roadblock.Gibson has been making almost £40,000 a week, which is a substantial amount more than the Lions’ highest paid player, Joe Bryan, according to Capology’s estimations.

Gibson may not be able to command the same salary going forward, but if he joins the Lions, he still has a chance to be in the top tier.

Paddy McNair

If Millwall is unable to sign Gibson, they may consider signing Middlesbrough defender Paddy McNair.

Since moving to the Riverside from Sunderland in 2018, the Northern Irishman has been a fantastic asset to the team, appearing in over 200 Championship games during an amazing time since Michael Carrick’s arrival on Teesside.

The former Manchester United academy graduate has been a versatile and trustworthy option for Boro over his seven years with the team. He would be a great addition for the Lions to complete in order to further bolster their defensive options.

He is a smart move for Neil Harris to make sure Millwall targets the top end of the table the next season. He can play in midfield or at full-back.

Ivan Sunjic

With the publishing of the club’s retained list, Ivan Sunjic’s tenure with the Blues came to an end. In 2019, he inked a five-year contract with Birmingham City.

The West Midlands club’s announcement of their relegation to League One was one of the more unexpected ones, considering the Croatian had made 36 appearances this season.

After establishing a strong midfield combination with Krystian Bielik at the beginning of the season, Wayne Rooney’s arrival hindered his development. He frequently played out of position, which reduced his effectiveness in games.

The 27-year-old, who impressed the Lions supporters with his determination and fighting spirit when he played for Birmingham, may find his playing form again at the center of the Millwall midfield.

Jamie Paterson

Possibly one of the trickier transactions to pull off, but Jamie Paterson of Swansea City makes a compelling case for Millwall to take a closer look at.

The 32-year-old’s contract with the Welsh team is up, but he has received an opportunity to sign a new one at Swansea.com Stadium. He has shown this season that he still has a lot to contribute at this level.

Paterson, who mostly plays as an attacking midfielder, finished the season with eight goals and six assists across all competitions. He can also play in the forward line or anywhere in the midfield.

With interest continuing to surround midfielder, Zian Flemming, Paterson could be seen as an alternative short-term option for the Lions to consider should the 25-year-old depart The Den in the summer.

Scott Hogan

Millwall needs to add a striker, and Birmingham’s Scott Hogan may be the one, since Tom Bradshaw’s contract expires this summer.

The 31-year-old has only made 19 appearances for the Blues under the four different managers they have had this season at St. Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park due to his lack of playing time.

Hogan has a stellar record at this level, having scored 67 goals in 259 Championship games, 10 of which came during the West Midlands club’s 2022–23 campaign.

Hogan will score goals, and big ones at that, if Millwall is able to hold onto most of its attacking players. The striker struggled to make his own opportunities while he was with Birmingham, but if given the chance, he might be a smart free agent acquisition.

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