The loaning out of these two players by Millwall FC in January makes sense

admin | October 15, 2023 | Other Clubs | No Comments

Millwall will be seeking to move past their heartbreaking loss to Blackburn Rovers on the final day of last season to deny them a play-off spot and propel themselves into promotion contention this season.

The Lions’ shocking 4-3 loss to Rovers at the Den eliminated them from the top six, with Sunderland and Coventry City taking their place.

Although they were dealt such a setback to their Premier League hopes, the club has made great strides over the years, evolving from a mid-table team to one that can compete with the top teams in the division.

With expectations shifting, the new season in the second division has gotten off to a mixed start, with the club sitting in 15th position after earning 15 points from 11 league games.

With the January transfer window rapidly approaching, Millwall will be looking at targets to strengthen the team and move them up the standings, with some players potentially leaving to make room for new arrivals.

At the start of 2024, two of the players mentioned below might leave the Den on a loan.

Connal Trueman

Connal Trueman, a goalkeeper, progressed through Birmingham City’s youth program and played his entire career in the West Midlands until 2022, when he moved to join Millwall.

After playing for Gary Rowett at Blues before he became the manager at the Den, Trueman teamed up with the man he knew well.

Throughout his career, the 27-year-old has had difficulty getting regular playing time, appearing just 15 times for Birmingham.

Similar circumstances have occurred at Millwall, where Trueman has struggled to break into the matchday squad and has yet to play in a league game in South East London.

When Millwall signed Matija Sarkic away from Wolves this summer, it was further evidence that Trueman had been forced to play behind some of the best shot-stoppers in the league.

Although healthy competition is crucial at every position, the Birmingham-born player now occupies the club’s third choice. As a result, Millwall may be willing to let Trueman leave in January so he may accumulate more consistent playing time.

Trueman may be able to restart his career with a change of scenery, therefore the Lions may merely let him go on loan in the coming months before reevaluating their options in the summer.

George Honeyman

George Honeyman of Millwall, who has yet to participate in a single league game at the start of the new second-tier season, is up next.

The 29-year-old played a significant role for Rowett’s Lions during the previous season, but only managed one goal and three assists in 38 league appearances, helping the team finish outside the play-off spots on the last day of the previous season.

Since working his way back up to full fitness, Honeyman has remained an inactive substitute in their last three games against Swansea City, Plymouth Argyle, and Hull City. In preseason, Rowett confirmed the former Hull City player had suffered a quad injury that left him feeling like he “couldn’t run properly” in their victory over Gillingham.

The Northumberland-born midfielder has played over 150 times in the Championship, so if this trend persists, several second-tier teams will undoubtedly be interested in hiring him on a temporary basis.

It is now more difficult for Honeyman to get back into the starting lineup on a regular basis in the attacking department due to competition from summer acquisition Allan Campbell, who is on loan from Premier League newcomers Luton Town. In Honeyman’s other preferred positions, Zian Flemming and Duncan Watmore are lock-ins barring any injuries or suspensions throughout the course of the season.