Crystal Palace is on the brink of securing the signature of Millwall’s 19-year-old starlet, Romain Esse, as negotiations between the two South London clubs reach an advanced stage.
The Eagles are reportedly ironing out the final details of the deal, which could see Esse join Selhurst Park this month.
Esse, a highly-rated England U20 international, has been closely monitored by Palace’s sporting director Dougie Freedman, who has attended several of his matches this season. Other Premier League clubs have also shown interest, but Palace has moved decisively to land the talented winger.
Millwall manager Alex Neil confirmed the interest but stressed that any deal would require a significant fee, given Esse’s importance to the squad and his recent contract extension.
“Romain has been one of our best performers this season. While we don’t want to lose him, if he moves, it will be for a substantial amount, which reflects his value to the club,” Neil stated.
Esse’s performances for Millwall have caught the attention of scouts across the country, with his pace, creativity, and ability to take on defenders marking him as a future star.
The youngster signed a new contract with Millwall in the summer, a deal that required considerable negotiation as Esse sought assurances about regular first-team opportunities.
If the transfer goes through, it will be a significant coup for Palace, who are looking to bolster their squad with young talent. Esse’s arrival would align with the club’s strategy of nurturing promising players under manager Roy Hodgson, who has been instrumental in guiding the team’s current crop of young stars.
Millwall, on the other hand, could use the funds from Esse’s transfer to reinvest in their squad as they aim to remain competitive in the Championship. The deal, if finalized, would highlight the growing trend of Championship clubs producing Premier League-ready talent.
Esse’s addition would not only strengthen Crystal Palace’s attacking options but also signal the club’s commitment to long-term development and maintaining their status in the top flight.
