Football League World
·14 August 2024
Football League World
·14 August 2024
FLW's Millwall fan pundit discussed his club's links with a move for Middlesbrough's Josh Coburn
This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…
Millwall have been urged to complete a deal to sign Middlesbrough striker Josh Coburn, but only if it's on a permanent basis or as a loan-to-buy deal, not just on a season-long loan.
The South London Press & Mercury have recently reported that Millwall, along with other unnamed Championship clubs, are interested in striking a deal to sign the 21-year-old striker this summer.
With the likes of Emmanuel Latte Lath and potentially Tommy Conway soon to be at Boro's disposal in attack, it remains to be seen what that will mean for Coburn, and the 21-year-old could potentially exit the Riverside Stadium in the search for regular Championship minutes.
Coburn came off the bench towards the end of Boro's first game of the season, playing just four minutes, and he's set for a season of being used as a substitute if he remains with Michael Carrick's side.
Our Millwall fan pundit, Chris Chapman, believes that Coburn would be an excellent signing for the Lions and would fit the club's profile perfectly, but has urged his side to avoid a loan deal, unless they have an option to buy at the end of it.
Speaking to Football League World, Chris said: "I was actually scouring the market to see who would fit the mould of what we need, and I came up with Josh Coburn, so I tweeted it and two hours later we were linked with him. I must be a scout!
“I would welcome him to the club. I think he has the qualities that we need at this moment in time. With a more direct style of play, he would do well, and he’s got a ratio of one goal every four games in the Championship, which is pretty good.
“He’s still only 21, and he’s had a few injuries over the years, but I think he would suit our system. He’s fairly athletic, can hold the ball up, score goals and run the channels, which is kind of what we need to compliment the existing forwards at the club.
“The bit I’m not so keen on is the loan. I think the deal would have to work for all parties, but I’m not massively in favour of becoming a feeder club or a development club for another Championship club’s talent.
“For me, I’d want to see this as a buy, or a loan with a view to buying, otherwise it’s not something I’d be interested in.
“Josh Coburn the player yes, he fits the mould of what we need, but the deal’s got to be right for all parties and a loan with no option to buy is not what I’d want right now.”
As Chris said, Coburn would be an excellent addition to Millwall's squad, but having him on loan from another side in the Championship isn't ideal, and will just be doing Boro a favour in the long-run.
Neil Harris has the likes of Kevin Nisbet, Macaulay Langstaff and Tom Bradshaw as his options up front, but Coburn would offer something different and has shown in the past he can score goals at Championship level.
The 21-year-old is well behind Latte Lath in Boro's pecking order, and signing Conway would see him have even fewer minutes at the Riverside Stadium, but Carrick may well want to keep him for the future, so it's understandable why they might see a loan as the best option for him.
Millwall will surely want Coburn on a permanent basis, and they should stay away from a loan deal, particularly as he plays for a fellow Championship club.
If Harris' side were able to sign Coburn on a permanent basis, he is someone that they could develop and help grow into a future star worth a considerable sum of money potentially. Loaning him has no long-term benefit for Millwall, and would strengthen one of their league rivals in the future.