Oliver Glasner could need to sign a new centre-back this summer.placeholder image
Oliver Glasner could need to sign a new centre-back this summer. | AFP via Getty Images
Millwall are bracing for a barrage of Premier League interest in one of the Lions’ key defensive stars.
The transfer race between Crystal Palace and Leeds United for Millwall defender Japhet Tanganga looks to be on again with the Championship outfit expecting to see the 26-year-old leave the club.
Tanganga only arrived on a permanent transfer last summer, following a short-term loan spell, but has quickly become part of the furniture at The Den. The defender made 40 Championship appearances last season as Millwall pushed for a play-off place.
Already with Premier League, Champions League and Europa League experience, the centre-back had been a huge coup for Millwall 12 months ago. However, it now appears that the top flight could be calling once again for the player.
Millwall resigned to transfer exit amid Premier League interest
It had emerged that Tanganga has a £1.2 million release clause in his contract that can be activated by Premier League clubs this summer. That low price has caught the attention of Crystal Palace, Leeds United and Sunderland ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
Crystal Palace are expected to move for Tanganga should they lose in-demand Marc Guehi, who has been linked with a move away from Selhurst Park. The 24-year-old is entering the final 12 months of his contract, which could push the Eagles to sell.
If Oliver Glasner hopes to recruit Tanganga, he is set to face serious competition from Leeds United. Daniel Farke is determined to beat a team capable of avoiding the drop next year and Tanganga could be at the heart of that.
Daniel Farke impressed by Tanganga and Millwall defence
The centre-back certainly seemed to have impressed Farke when Millwall beat the Yorkshire outfit 1-0 at The Den in November. Speaking after the game, the Leeds United manager said: “Congratulations to them, they were more effective than us because we did exactly what we wanted, we dominated the game from the first moment here. We knew it’s a tough place to go and create chances. I think in the first half we created more chances than all the four opponents together in the last four games. Goals are always decisive. The little cutting edge in the final third was not there and they had one set piece, which they scored. On this level, when you play a team on fire who is confident, you have to make sure you play without mistakes.
“We played everything in the way we wanted, we get them away from our goal but there will be a few set pieces that you have to defend with discipline and we didn’t do this. We didn’t drop as Tanganga goes, the player responsible didn’t drop, he says thank you and scores the first goal. This is decisive for a team that is enthusiastic and confident in terms of defending. They have many clean sheets, five in the last six games. It’s difficult here.”
Giving his thoughts on Tanganga after that match, former Millwall boss Neil Harris said: “That’s why I rung him every day in the summer. I get on brilliantly with Japh. I just promised him rhythm, games, doing the best we can to keep him fit and giving him a platform to enjoy his football, and to re-start and kickstart his career again, because he’s a Premier League player all day long, we all know that.
“He’s had a really tough four years with injuries and disappointing loans, where it hasn’t quite worked for him and he’s not been looked after in the right manner to keep him fit after a couple of long-term injuries. We want him on the pitch every week and he knows his place in the team. I know what he’s excellent at, which is pretty much everything.”
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