Rotherham United backed to sign ex-Portsmouth attacker - he's a 'nuisance' | OneFootball

FLW's Rotherham fan pundit isn't too convinced that Kusini Yengi would choose the Millers over some of the other linked sides

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

It goes without saying that Rotherham United need attacking reinforcements this January, as Matt Hamshaw has struggled to keep his current crop fit and firing so far this season.

Sam Nombe is the Millers' top scorer in League One, despite playing just over 500 minutes of league action across nine of the 24 games Rotherham have played so far.

Kion Etete has also struggled with fitness, as did Martin Sherif, who was sent back to Everton at the beginning of the winter window. So far, though, it's been one out, none in, up top for the side with the second-worst attacking output in the division, and that needs to change soon.

Kusini Yengi, who was last seen in England with Portsmouth, is on the Millers' radar, with Matt Hamshaw's side set to battle with five other EFL sides, namely Wigan Athletic and Stockport County, for the Aberdeen frontman's signature.

The 26-year-old was prolific for Pompey the season they won League One in 2023/24, and could be set to do so again this time round, but perhaps at a club in a more fortunate position than Rotherham.

Rotherham United fan pundit delivers tough verdict on Kusini Yengi links

Despite only making seven starts and playing just over 850 minutes, Yengi still managed to find the back of the net nine times for Portsmouth during their title-winning 2023/24 campaign, which placed him top of the pile when it came to goals per 90 in League One that year.

Since then, it's been difficult for the Australian. Injuries restricted him to just 14 Championship appearances at Fratton Park last season, and he's since found himself frozen out of the side at his new home, Aberdeen, this year.

FLW's Rotherham fan pundit, Tom Eyre, would love to see Yengi rediscover his form from a couple of years ago at the AESSEAL New York Stadium, as he acknowledges that his club desperately need a new frontman.

"I think we're crying for a new striker," he said. "We've just sent Sherif back, and Sam Nombe can't seem to stay fit, which is a huge issue for us, as the men in his deputy aren't doing the job.

"Etete can't seem to stay fit, and Jordan Hugill is a man who is past his best and should be used in impactful, off-the-bench stints.

"Yengi scored double-figure goals in all competitions the last time he was in League One. He was a player who was a threat, a nuisance and who loved to put himself about. He seems like a player that the fans would love, but it's tough to say, as he's linked with other clubs."

Indeed, the only thing holding Eyre back from fully backing this deal to be made is the fact that there's competition from elsewhere.

Four other League One sides, Stockport, Wigan, Blackpool and Stevenage, are linked with a move for Yengi as well, and all four are in a healthier position in the league table and are arguably more attractive destinations than a Rotherham side who look to be in freefall.

"It's tough to say that he'd come to us based on what we are at the moment, but I do think that he'd be a good addition to the squad," Eyre concluded.

Rotherham United may not be in a position to sign Kusini Yengi

Ultimately, Rotherham aren't in the healthiest of positions in the League One table, sitting five points from safety and in the midst of a six-game losing run.

Given that the last time Yengi played in England came in the Championship, the likelihood of him joining a side currently in a relegation battle, albeit in the very competitive League One, might not be viable.

Additionally, given the 26-year-old's recent history with injuries, Rotherham may be a little more cautious when it comes to bringing him in, as they've had their fair share of problems when it comes to keeping personnel fit at the top end of the pitch.

That being said, if they do manage to pull off the signing, and Yengi remains available between now and the end of the campaign, it could be the difference between staying up and going down, and it could be a risk that ends up paying off.

But, with fellow League One sides also in the mix, it'll be interesting to see whether it's a risk that will even be taken in the first place.