Millwall has not yet initiated contract discussions with Mihailo Ivanovic, even as they set a £20 million price tag on their talented 20-year-old striker to deter potential suitors this summer. It’s akin to parking a prized car in the garage while wondering why no one can take it for a spin—great for safety but not ideal for securing a favorable new deal.
Interest from Premier League and Championship Clubs
There has been genuine interest in Ivanovic from clubs like Leicester City, along with inquiries from several Premier League and Championship teams. Additionally, an offer arrived from Italy’s Parma. However, Millwall’s lofty valuation turned out to be a hurdle too high for every bidder that approached The Den.
Manager Alex Neil also struggled to bolster his attacking options before the transfer deadline, even attempting to sign Jusuf Erabi as a potential backup plan. The difficulty in securing a replacement highlights how crucial Ivanovic has become to the team.
January Transfer Window Looms
Those looking to acquire the Serbian striker are expected to renew their pursuit in January, placing Millwall in a challenging position if they wish to retain their most valuable asset. Surprisingly, no discussions have taken place to offer Ivanovic a new contract that reflects his increasing importance to the club.
Ivanovic’s Impressive Performance
Since joining from Vojvodina last summer, Ivanovic has emerged as one of the brightest young finishers outside the Premier League. He capped off last season as the only Lion to achieve double figures in goal contributions, totaling 13. This impressive tally is a key reason why other clubs are monitoring his situation closely.
Other Contract Concerns for Millwall
In addition to Ivanovic’s contract status, several other squad members are entering the final year of their contracts. Wes Harding, Dan McNamara, Casper de Norre, Aidomo Emakhu, and Femi Azeez all play vital roles in the team. Addressing their futures will be high on Neil’s agenda.
Current Season Outlook
With six points from their first four Championship games, Millwall currently sits in 12th place and harbors genuine ambitions of reaching the play-offs. At this stage, they might need a sat-nav to locate the top six. However, if the goals keep flowing, that shouldn’t pose a problem.