Exclusive: Don Goodman issues clear Rotherham United, Sam Nombe transfer claim | OneFootball

Don Goodman has told FLW his verdict on Sam Nombe's future with Rotherham United

Don Goodman believes that Rotherham United should be building their team around Sam Nombe this season as they look to place themselves back in a League One promotion push.

The 26-year-old contributed 14 goals and five assists in the third tier in 2024-25, scoring more than any other player in the side.

He was a crucial player for the Millers at the top end of the pitch, but was one of their only shining lights as they underwhelmed on pre-season expectations.

Rotherham finished 13th in the table, missing out on a play-off place by a mammoth 19 points in their first year back at that level after being relegated from the Championship in 2024.

Rotherham United urged to keep hold of Sam Nombe this summer

Sky Sports EFL pundit Goodman believes that Nombe should look to stay at Rotherham after finding some form, having previously struggled at Championship level for both the Millers and Luton Town, who he had a loan stint with in the 2020-21 season.

He has claimed that the Millers should be building the team around him after his impressive goal record in an otherwise misfiring team last season.

“I first saw Sam Nombe when he broke through at MK Dons and I remember thinking this is a lad that’s going to have a big future in the game,” Goodman exclusively told Football League World.

“And the couple of goes he’s had in the Championship with both Luton and Rotherham United, he has struggled really to make an impact.

“But when you look at his record in League One, it is pretty good in terms of goal scoring, 14 league goals last season.

“If I were Rotherham United, I wouldn’t be letting him go anywhere, I’d be building a team around Sam Nombe.”

Nombe made the switch to Rotherham from Exeter in the summer of 2023 for around the £1 million mark, and has scored a total of 18 league goals from 92 appearances in all competitions.

Rotherham United manager Matt Hamshaw will need Sam Nombe’s goals next season

No other player in the Rotherham first team managed a tally of 10 goals or more, highlighting the importance of Nombe in the club's attack last season.

The Millers will need a consistent threat in front of goal if Hamshaw’s team is to climb the table and fight for promotion again.

Nombe struggled in the Championship, but he has now shown that he can perform at a League One level, and he may be ready for the step up again should another team come in for him.

However, the Millers should be doing everything they can this summer to hold onto him going into the new campaign, and should only be considering big money approaches.