Millwall have gone back to basics with great success over the course of the last month, and they look to be a real early contender for a play-off place under the guidance of Neil Harris.
The Lions currently sit eighth in the league table, just two points behind Watford in sixth, which a position that they would have held themselves had Stoke City not scored an equaliser at the bet365 Stadium on Saturday.
Nevertheless, there is a lot to be excited about at The Den currently, and although the international break may have halted their momentum for now, the January transfer window offers more opportunities for Harris to build his squad.
One of those that could make the switch to Millwall is Kwame Poku, with the Peterborough United winger linked with a move away from the League One club after an excellent start to the season.
Kwame Poku could thrive at Millwall in Neil Harris’ system
It seemed like only a matter of time before rumours started to spread surrounding the future of Poku following a fantastic 2023/24 campaign with Posh, with his form continuing into the new season.
The 23-year-old is in the middle of a spectacular run at the moment, scoring five goals and picking up five assists in the last six matches in League One. He scored a hat-trick in a fantastic 6-1 victory for Peterborough over local rivals Cambridge United on Saturday, a result that pushed his team back up to 12th.
It’s not been the easiest of seasons for Darren Ferguson’s side after back-to-back losing play-off campaigns in the third tier, but once again, Poku has been the bright spark in what has always been an attack-minded team.
However, with his current club’s struggles to return to the Championship, it makes keeping hold of him a much more difficult task, and with the likes of Ipswich Town, Southampton and Millwall showing an interest in him, it may be the January transfer window that proves decisive for him.
Poku could be a perfect replacement for Romain Esse as Premier League suitors circle
With Millwall starlet Romain Esse being targeted by Crystal Palace, the Lions could be in need of finding a player to take over if their talented winger does make the move to the Premier League in the next window.
Not only will they lose goals and assists from the 19-year-old, they will also lose his defensive capabilities, with Esse one of the best wingers at tracking back and helping out his team-mates in the entirety of the Championship
Poku can do that himself – he has won more duels than any other winger in League One, as well as making the most recoveries with 62.
It’s a part of his game that may go unnoticed due to just how talented he is going forward, but he does help out a huge amount when his side are on the back foot.
In comparison to Esse, however, Poku is clear in terms of goal contributions and output, albeit with more experience and at a lower level.
He has 10 goals to his name in League One already this season from the wing from an xG rate of just 3.92, proving how clinical he is in chances that aren’t necessarily expected to hit the back of the net.
| Kwame Poku’s Peterborough United League One Stats 2024/25 (As Per FotMob)* | |
|---|---|
| Appearances (Starts) | 15 (15) |
| Minutes Played | 1,309 |
| Goals (Assists) | 10 (5) |
| xG | 3.92 |
| Shots (On Target) | 41 (20) |
| Pass Accuracy | 80.8% |
| Chances Created | 21 |
| Successful Dribbles | 30 |
| Touches (In Opposition Box) | 840 (70) |
| *Stats correct as of 13/11/2024 | |
It can be said that compared to another interested party in Ipswich, he has more of a chance of more game-time at The Den, and this will only help his development going forward as he looks to be a Premier League footballer in the future.
The gap between the Championship and the third tier is a large one, but the 23-year-old has the ability to step up and adapt to the division very quickly if Millwall do win his signature, and after their start to the season, he could be the difference maker as they push for a play-off finish.
But if they do win the battle for Poku, then Millwall will surely be resigned to, or will have already waved goodbye to an academy prodigy in the form of Esse, given they play in the same position – if that were to happen though, you’d imagine that the Lions would be compensated heftily for his services, which would be well in excess of the £10 million mark, and Peterborough’s star man wouldn’t cost anywhere near that.
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