Millwall boss gives his take on outgoing transfer situation – and why he thinks a power shift is starting to take place
Neil Harris reckons that a lack of funds in the transfer market has slowed outgoing deals at Millwall.
Attacker Fred Onyedinma and Tom Elliott are expected to be two players who move out of the Championship club this summer.
Aiden O’Brien could also be heading out as he faces a tougher battle for first-team minutes.
Asked about the lack of activity in terms of exits, Harris replied: “The reason is the same as why is has taken us time to bring players in.
“People don’t want to spend money and people can’t spend money.
“The market is changing. My personal feeling is that in the next couple of years it will become a football club market again and not a players’ market, because the money in the Championship is certainly slowing down.
“I’ve had some really good conversations with a player or two who mights be leaving this window. We all know where we are at.
“We have got a working relationship. If they happen, they happen. If they don’t then we’ll go about our business and people will fight for the spots.
“I’m really relaxed, especially while I’m trying to recruit players. We don’t want to leave ourselves short. If the right offers don’t come along then players won’t be leaving, for sure.”
Millwall made their fifth signing of the summer transfer window on Thursday with Jon Dadi Bodvarsson arriving from Reading.
The Icelandic international, 27, joined for an undisclosed fee and the Lions also no longer announce contract length – beyond saying it is a long-term deal.
Shaun Williams scored for Millwall as they beat Fleetwood Town 1-0 on Saturday night at Estadio Municipal de Albufeira in Portugal.
The Lions have apologised to their fans after Cody Army supporters were able to attend the fixture.
“Millwall Football Club notes and understands the disappointment and upset of supporters after opposition fans were permitted entry into what was arranged and advertised as a behind-closed-doors friendly during the pre-season training camp in Portugal,” said a statement on the Lions’ website.
“The club would like to apologise to its fanbase for this occurrence and will assess different options for supporters ahead of future overseas camps.”
PICTURE BY BRIAN TONKS
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