"No disrespect to Millwall" - Exclusive: Sky pundit raises Mihailo Ivanovic exit concern | OneFootball

Lee Hendrie has given his opinion on the current Mihailo Ivanovic, Parma transfer rumours

Former Aston Villa midfielder Lee Hendrie believes that Millwall will be doing their best to ensure that Mihailo Ivanovic remains at The Den going into the 2025/26 campaign.

The 20-year-old lived up to his £2.8 million price tag, a Millwall record at the time, in his first year at the club, netting 12 goals in 23 starts, including six in his last seven, as Alex Neil's side almost made a late dash into the play-offs.

Therefore, interest is high from clubs in Europe's top five leagues to bring the exciting Serbian on board this summer, with Serie A's Parma leading the race for Ivanovic.

Parma has bid £8.6 million so far, but Millwall are holding out for a figure closer to £13.8 million. Either way, though, interest from top divisions in the 2004-born star will likely be attractive, and Hendrie feels that Ivanovic's head could be turned at such transfer talk.

Lee Hendrie gives verdict on Mihailo Ivanovic, Parma links

Speaking exclusively to FLW, current EFL pundit Lee Hendrie thinks that Millwall are going to be in for a real struggle to retain Mihailo Ivanovic after Italian top-flight side Parma registered their interest in the Lions' frontman.

"It's a real tough one. Millwall will be doing all they can to keep hold of him," Hendrie said.

"This is where money and budgets come into play, and with Parma, obviously, they're a very good football club, and I'm sure he'll be tempted by the switch, and that's no disrespect to Millwall."

According to Capology, Parma were able to offer wages of £15,000 per week or more to 14 players, 10 more than Millwall were. Ivanovic is currently estimated to earn £2,000 per week, and it'll be clear that the Italian side will be able to freely offer the 20-year-old more in terms of weekly wages.

But Hendrie believes that it might not just be personal finances which could tempt Ivanovic to Northern Italy, with the location and division playing an equal part, too.

He continued, "I just think that when you start getting interest from clubs abroad [and in this case] going to Italy and playing for Parma, I do think his head will be turned, there's no doubt of that."

"I do think Millwall will have to try and keep hold of him, and they'll do very well to do that."

Remaining at Millwall may prove to be the best decision for Mihailo Ivanovic

Whilst Parma may be able to lure Mihailo Ivanovic to their club due to their location and a prospective higher wage, remaining in South-East London may be the wiser choice for the 20-year-old this summer.

Ivanovic ended the 2024/25 season in red-hot form, and remaining at the club he has spent a season settling in at could see him hit the ground running immediately to begin the next campaign, whereas yet another move may stall his momentum.

Additionally, whilst Parma have ambitions to become an established Serie A side once more following their relegation to the fourth tier after folding for the second time in a decade back in 2015, Millwall could provide more stability and game time currently for a young player with big aspirations.

Ivanovic will have hopes of playing among the best in Europe, and he'll want to do this as soon as possible. But for now, becoming one of the best strikers in the Championship could position him to make a more ambitious signing next summer.