Millwall are looking to end their over 30-year absence from top-flight football this campaign, with the Lions in as good a position to fire themselves to the Premier League as they ever have in that time.
Under the guidance of Scottish boss Alex Neil, Millwall look poised for a spot in the top six this campaign, with the top two still not out of the question, albeit they must hope one of Coventry City or Middlesbrough drastically slips up between now and the end of the season.
Neil knows what it takes to get a team promoted, having guided Norwich City to the Premier League in 2015 via the play-offs, and, more recently, Sunderland from League One in 2022, once again through the play-offs.
Should Millwall indeed have to go the long way to the top flight, there are few managers better-suited for the trials and tribulations of the play-offs than Neil.
The Lions’ recruitment over the years has seen an upward trajectory through the league table, to the point where now they find themselves with as good a chance as any to finally taste Premier League football next season.
The likes of Femi Azeez, Mihailo Ivanovic, and Casper de Norre have all proven to be excellent additions. However, one deal has the potential to blow these out of the water, and one that could well secure their status in the top flight next campaign.
Tristan Crama joined Millwall for a minimal fee from Brentford in January 2025
French defender Tristan Crama is looking like an incredible pickup by Millwall, and indicative of their savvy transfer approach over the years.
The 6’4” centre-back, who has also proven to be more than capable at right-back, has cemented himself as one of the club’s most integral figures and one of the first names on the team sheet on a weekly basis.
Having joined Brentford in the summer of 2022, Crama never made a senior appearance for the Bees, instead spending time out on loan with Bristol Rovers and then Exeter City, the latter of which he was recalled from after six months before making the jump to the Championship with Millwall.
Since then, Crama has virtually yet to miss a game for the Lions, making 20 league appearances in the second half of last campaign and has started every single league game this season thus far, much as is his importance to the side.
Can Tristan Crama help to guide Millwall to the Premier League? If he had interest in the summer, how much do you think the Lions should hold out for? And just how good has he been this season? Share your thoughts below!
Rock solid in defence, at both right-back and centre-back, where he has shared his minutes, as according to FotMob, the Frenchman ranks in the top percentile among full-backs in the Championship for each of interceptions (49), blocked shots (21), clearances (209), and clean sheets (14) this season.
Not only has he proven to be an exceptional defender, but Crama, according to FotMob, has also been a constant direct threat in the other box, ranking in the very top percentiles among full-backs in the league for shots (28), expected goals (2.45), and, most importantly, goals (3).
Whilst the fee they paid Brentford for the Frenchman remained undisclosed, it can be gathered that whatever they agreed upon now looks to be an absolute bargain, as if he doesn’t manage to help to take them to the Premier League, he will almost certainly collect a substantial profit for the Lions.
Millwall and Alex Neil have struck gold with the deal to sign Tristan Crama
It cannot be overstated enough just how good a signing Crama is proving to be for Millwall, with their success this campaign largely being attributed to his performances from the back.
The Lions have massively improved their ability to collect fees for their stars in the past few years, with the likes of Japhet Tanganga, Zian Flemming, and Romain Esse all gathering substantial profits at The Den, whilst they rebuffed offers in and around the £15 million mark in January from Ipswich Town for Femi Azeez.
Should Millwall find themselves as a second-tier club once again next year, offers for their star players, including Crama, are bound to come their way, though they will likely be prepared for that possibility should it transpire.
Whatever the case, Millwall have absolutely struck gold with the signing of Crama just over a year ago, as the Frenchman could well lead them to that elusive promotion, or collect a lucrative payday for the Lions. Either way, they are laughing.