How Mihailo Ivanovic and Josh Coburn have reacted to Tanganga leaving Millwall for Sheffield United | OneFootball

Japhet Tanganga's move from The Den to Bramall Lane has now been confirmed

Mihailo Ivanovic and Josh Coburn were among those in the current Millwall squad to send their well wishes to Japhet Tanganga following the completion of the centre-back's move to Sheffield United.

The centre-back immediately become a hit with those at The Den for his strong performances on loan, particularly after Neil Harris replaced Joe Edwards in early 2024 after the now-Coventry City assistant lured the defender to SE24 on a temporary basis from Tottenham Hotspur, before continuing to go from strength-to-strength under Alex Neil.

The Lions narrowly missed out on achieving a first Championship play-off berth since 2002 last term, and interest in one of their prized assets continued to be rife heading into a summer in which he was made available to clubs in the Premier League for just £1.2m due to a staggeringly low release clause.

Yet despite the contrasting fortunes which Millwall and the Blades have endured in the early weeks of the season - which included a 1-0 victory for the South London side at Bramall Lane last weekend - the completion of this deal has further bolstered a new-look defence in the Steel City and left Millwall with no choice but to make swift moves in the transfer market.

Mihailo Ivanovic and Josh Coburn react as Japhet Tanganga swaps Millwall FC for Sheffield United

Football League World exclusively revealed that the Blades had turned their transfer focus to Tanganga last week, with the Lions making a substantial profit on their free transfer last summer, with the 26-year-old reportedly moving to United for a fee of £7m, which could rise to as high as £10m.

As is often the case, the man who made 63 appearances and scored four times for Millwall issued his thanks to all associated with the club with a farewell Instagram message, which read: "I want to start by saying a huge thank you to @millwallfc.

"Although our time wasn’t the longest, I made some incredible memories that I’ll forever cherish, created some great relationships and worked with some amazing people who I wish nothing but the best for," the centre-back added.

"Thank you to the staff, players, and fans for welcoming me like family and having the faith & belief in me. Nonetheless, I wish the club all the best for the future, all the success and I look forward to our paths crossing again."

Among those issuing responses to developments was Ivanovic, who has also been the subject of interest from European top-flight and Premier League sides such as Everton and Wolverhampton Wanderers, with the Serbian replying: "All the best Japh", with two emojis also clarifying the bond between the two players.

Coburn, who became the South London side's most-expensive incoming in June following a loan stint of his own, also responded with: All the best bro."

The likes of Wes Harding, Femi Azeez, George Evans and Sunderland's young winger, Romaine Mundle, were also seen sending messages of their own to the former Lions defender, who is now embarking on the next chapter of his career.

So often, it can be difficult for sides to source an adequate replacement in swift fashion, regardless of the high profit made on Tanganga's services, which has now seen Millwall bank almost £20m for the defender and Romain Esse, who joined Crystal Palace in January for at least £12m.

The hierarchy at The Den will now be hoping for a similar scenario as Dan Marsh of the Mirror revealed that the club are finalising a deal to prize Caleb Taylor away from West Bromwich Albion.

Marsh's update on Thursday afternoon via X stated that the former Wycombe Wanderers loanee has been a "long-term target" and that a medical has been booked for the towering 22-year-old.

This no doubt will soften the blow of losing such a top-class Championship defender, especially if Tanganga is unable to halt the dismal start to the season at Bramall Lane, which has seen plenty of defenders come through the door, such as Ben Godfrey, Tyler Bindon and Nils Zatterstrom.