Sunderland transfer spree could open up opportunity for Millwall transfer - Alex Neil will be key | OneFootball

Alan Browne will struggle for game time at Sunderland, so a reunion with Alex Neil at Millwall could make sense for all parties.

Millwall have had an exciting start to the transfer window, as Alex Neil looks to build a team that can challenge for a top six finish this season.

As well as a new contract for the manager, Josh Coburn has joined in a club-record deal from Middlesbrough, and further business will be expected ahead of the opener at Norwich City on August 9.

And, one player who could improve the Millwall squad that is well-known to Millwall's boss is Sunderland midfielder Alan Browne - he could be a perfect fit for the Lions going into the 2025-26 season.

Alan Browne could be open to summer transfer as Sunderland strengthen their midfield

Browne played 23 times in the Championship last season for the Black Cats, but just 13 of those were starts, although it’s important to note he missed a big chunk of the campaign through injury.

Nevertheless, the 30-year-old was very much a squad player, and with the Black Cats having won promotion, and added Habib Diarra and Noah Sadiki to the group for around £50m, he is going to find it even harder to get near the starting 11 next season under Regis Le Bris.

Whilst that’s a shame for the Irishman, these things happen in football, and Browne will no doubt be open to leaving in search of more game-time at this stage of his career, just one year after arriving on Wearside.

Alex Neil factor could help Millwall sign Alan Browne

If he is available, then it would be a surprise if Neil didn’t try to bring Browne to The Den, as the duo have a strong relationship from their time at Preston.

The current Millwall chief was in charge at Deepdale for nearly four years between 2017 and 2021, with Browne barely missing a game in that spell.

So, he clearly rates the veteran Ireland international, and he has the added bonus of knowing exactly what Browne is like on a day-to-day basis, how he operates at the training ground and his character.

During that period, Browne arguably played some of the best football in his career, which included scoring 12 goals in the 2018/19 season from an advanced midfield role, highlighting what Neil is able to get out of him.

Whether he would replicate that remains to be seen, but for a low fee or on a loan deal, this could be a smart capture for the Londoners.

Alan Browne could be a sensible addition for Millwall if they decide to pursue a deal.

Not only does Browne know Neil and the Championship, which would ease any adaptation concerns, but he is also a very good second tier operator.

The 69-cap Ireland international is a midfielder who can fill various roles in the middle of the park. Whether it’s sitting deeper to protect the defence, or using his energy to go box-to-box, Browne is capable, whilst he has also played as a wing-back at times.

Therefore, there’s a lot to like about this potential deal for Millwall, and George Saville’s exit means there is a space in the squad for an experienced midfielder.

This wouldn’t be the most exciting addition of the window for Millwall, but Browne would bring know-how, versatility, and he is a player the manager trusts.

Over the course of a demanding season, you need players who have been there and done it, and Browne could once again become a key figure for Neil, this time with the Lions, as they try to push for the play-offs.