Millwall could have a hard time keeping hold of Japhet Tanganga with reported interest from Leeds United, Sunderland and Burnley following the trio’s promotion to the Premier League.
The Lions themselves missed out on a shot at promotion after finishing outside the top six by just two points following a strong end to the most recent campaign. Leeds and Burnley both collected 100 points, with the Whites finishing top on goal difference.
Sunderland earned promotion via the play-offs with a dramatic 2-1 win over Sheffield United at Wembley. South London football reporter Richard Cawley reported earlier this week that Tanganga has a bargain release clause of just £1.2m in his contract with Millwall.
Only Premier League clubs can activate it, however which at least means the Lions would not be strengthening a direct Championship rival. Wolves and West Ham had previously been credited with an interest.
Give Me Sport has reported that Tanganga is the subject of “strong interest” from Leeds, Sunderland and Burnley. The 26-year-old Tottenham Hotspur academy graduate first joined Millwall in January 2024 as he signed a six-month loan deal with the club.
Last summer he agreed a permanent move to the club after being released by Spurs, as he penned a long-term deal with the Lions. In his first full season he won the Millwall Supporters’ Club 2024/25 Player of the Season award. He made 40 appearances in the Championship last season, scoring twice.
Those goals came in a 1-0 win over Leeds in November and in a 1-1 draw against Oxford United a few weeks later. He has experience at the top level, having made 50 appearances for Spurs with 27 of those coming in the Premier League.
Alex Neil hails Japhet Tanganga as “ultimate professional”
Speaking about the player’s future towards the end of last season, Alex Neil said of Tanganga: “Japhet’s played every game he’s been available when I’ve been here. He’s been ever-present. He’s a key member of our team. He knows what we can offer, he knows what we’re trying to do, he’s at the forefront of that.
“What happens in the summer, at the moment, I’m not quite sure how that lands. I don’t know what his views on it are. All we are focused on at the moment is winning the next game.
“As far as people staying, people leaving, people potentially getting bought, that’s not been a topic of discussion in and around the training ground, and it certainly won’t be until the season’s over.
“He’s the ultimate professional, Japh. After the game, he’s pretty much nearly always the last to leave. Him and Wes [Harding] go through the ritual that they’ve got in terms of recovery, the minute the game’s ended. He prepares as well as anybody.
“His performances throughout the games have been excellent. Hence the reason why he’s clean swept the player of the year awards. He’s been a real focal point of our team this season.”
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