£2m Millwall star surely set for exit after big Josh Coburn news | OneFootball

Kevin Nisbet is unlikely to have a future at Millwall after the club announced the signing of Josh Coburn.

It’s an exciting time to be a Millwall fan as the club look to kick-on under the guidance of Alex Neil.

The Scotsman has made a positive impression since his appointment back in December, so much so that he has already been rewarded with a new contract.

Now, ahead of his first full season at The Den, the club are working on building a squad that can challenge for a play-off place.

Millwall complete club record deal for Josh Coburn

And, they have made progress on that front, as the Lions announced on Thursday that they had sealed the transfer of Coburn from Middlesbrough for a club-record fee that could reach £5m.

After impressing on loan, this will be seen as a statement signing by Millwall, and the 22-year-old is someone who boasts plenty of raw qualities that Neil will look to develop over the coming years.

With Mihailo Ivanovic also at the club, the Lions will feel they have a front two that will increase in value and can score goals on a regular basis in the Championship.

Kevin Nisbet faces battle to get minutes at Millwall

Another striker option for Millwall is Kevin Nisbet, with the £2m signing having fallen out of favour under the previous regime, but he is now set to return to the capital for pre-season training under Neil.

The Lions boss has made it clear he will give Nisbet a chance, and it could be an opportunity for the ex-Hibernian man to truly make his mark at The Den.

There was a lot of excitement when Millwall brought the attacker to the club, as he had been prolific in Scotland, but Nisbet failed to replicate that form in the Championship.

At 28, Nisbet still has time on his side, and it would be a shame for Millwall to give up on the player this summer. However, the arrival of Coburn means it’s difficult to see how he sticks around and gets the game time he wants.

Due to his age, and the fact he scored 11 league goals and registered five assists for Aberdeen last season, Nisbet will feel he should be at a club where he can be the main man. He will want to be trusted by the manager, and to know that even if he goes a few games without a goal, he remains in the XI.

Realistically, that’s not going to happen at Millwall.

Coburn’s fee highlights just how much faith the Lions have in the new recruit, and Ivanovic is undoubtedly the top striker at the club right now.

Therefore, Nisbet would have to settle for a bit-part role moving forward, and that’s not going to please the player.

Another important factor is his contract, which expires in 2026, so the club know they risk losing him on a free in 12 months' time, unless he signs fresh terms, which isn’t on the cards.

In some cases, transfers just don’t work out as planned, and it’s fair to say that Nisbet’s move to Millwall falls into that category.

So, a summer move would be right for all parties, and Millwall will believe they have more than enough firepower with Coburn and Ivanovic to ensure it’s a decision they will not regret.