West Ham & Millwall have 8 interesting free agent options to explore | OneFootball

Football League World takes a look at eight free agents West Ham United and Millwall could sign this summer

West Ham United and Millwall have one of English football's biggest rivalries, but they haven't locked horns since February 2012, when the Hammers ran out as 2-1 winners.

That is set to change next season, though, as West Ham were relegated from the Premier League, whereas the Lions failed to win promotion from the Championship.

The Hammers endured a poor top-flight campaign, and a 3-0 victory over Leeds United in their final game wasn't enough to drag them out of the relegation zone, as Tottenham Hotspur beat Everton.

Meanwhile, Millwall enjoyed a largely stellar Championship season, but they were beaten by eventual promotion winners Hull City in the play-off semi-finals.

Football League World have taken a look at eight players that either club could sign on a free transfer this summer before they renew their rivalry in the second tier.

Bamba Dieng

Should West Ham and Millwall choose to refresh their forward options this summer, one fruitful option could prove to be striker Bamba Dieng.

The 26-year-old's contract with Lorient expires this summer, while he scored 10 goals in 22 Ligue 1 appearances for Oliver Pantaloni's men in 2025/26.

Wes Burns

Wes Burns is a modern-day Ipswich Town hero, having represented the Tractor Boys in League One, the Championship, and the Premier League.

The winger played a key role in Ipswich's back-to-back promotions from the third tier to the top-flight, and is likely to attract plenty of second-tier interest this summer.

James Bree

James Bree was a key man for Southampton in the 2025/26 season, notching four goals and five assists in 39 Championship appearances.

The 28-year-old will walk out of St Mary's Stadium as a free agent if he doesn't sign a new contract by June, and both Millwall and West Ham should be keen on the versatile full-back, who has Premier League experience.

???????Dennis Cirkin

Dennis Cirkin was a key man in the Sunderland team that won promotion from the Championship to the Premier League in 2025, and previously helped the Black Cats reach the play-offs in 2023.

The left-back has been used sparingly by Regis Le Bris' side in the top-flight, but his previous performances in the second tier make him a very attractive free agent.

Solly March

Solly March is a Brighton legend who has only ever represented the Seagulls in his senior career so far, making 300 appearances.

The 31-year-old, who is parting company with Brighton, could be a great asset for any Championship club, provided they can help him stay injury-free.

Matt Doherty

Matt Doherty is a modern-day Wolves great, who is set to depart Molineux and has also represented Tottenham and Atletico Madrid in recent years.

Like the aforementioned March, the veteran full-back would have a lot to offer for another second-tier club if he avoids fitness issues.

???????Issa Soumare

Issa Soumare can operate as both a winger and a striker, and notched eight goals and five assists for Le Havre in the 2025/26 Ligue 1 campaign.

He could prove to be a strong signing for either Millwall or West Ham, especially on a free transfer.

???????Emil Krafth

Emil Krafth has earned plenty of Premier League experience since joining Newcastle United from French club Amiens back in the summer of 2019.