Millwall made a questionable decision to let Kevin Nisbet leave this summer due to a lack of depth up front; however, that decision appears to be paying off.
Millwall have had a busy two transfer windows this year as they look to contend for promotion in the Championship. Alex Neil was heavily backed this summer, and with his side in 6th, it is paying off.
The Lions broke their record transfer fee in August with the signing of Josh Coburn, who had been on loan the previous campaign. Neil’s side lacked goals, so recruiting Coburn to join strikers Mihailo Ivanovic and Macaulay Langstaff was vital.
Image courtesy of: CAT GORYN/REUTERS.
There was a departure in the forward area, though, with Kevin Nisbet leaving to join Aberdeen. The Scotsman was on loan to the Dons for the whole of the 2024/25 term and scored 14 goals in 39 games in a successful spell.
The 28-year-old joined Millwall in 2023, but after just 34 appearances, the transfer was a failure. But just how has Nisbet fared since his exit from South London?
How Kevin Nisbet has fared at Aberdeen
Millwall thought they had answered their goalscoring problems when they signed Nisbet from Hibernian in 2023. The Scotsman had scored 39 goals in 101 games for the Scottish Premier League side and looked to make the step up to the Championship.
Kevin Nisbet’s stats for Millwall
After barely two years at The Den, the 28-year-old arrived back at Aberdeen, where he had thrived during his loan spell. This term has been a different story for the frontman, though.
Nisbet has featured in all but one game for the Dons since signing and is yet to score a goal. His side aren’t enjoying a great campaign either as they sit 8th in the table with the joint-worst attacking record.
The 11-time Scotland international played a crucial role in Aberdeen’s Scottish FA Cup triumph, but his time at the Pittodrie is not appearing to be second time lucky.
Millwall made the right call but must get January window right
Millwall made the correct decision to part ways with Nisbet at the start of the season. The Scotsman never got his Lions’ career on track, and his exit was beneficial to both parties.
Image courtesy of: RUSSELL CHEYNE/REUTERS.
Neil’s side are struggling for goals this campaign again, though, which could hinder their chances of making the play-offs. Coburn has only scored once this term and has suffered from injuries. Ivanovic is also struggling to reach the heights of last season, after scoring just twice in 14 league appearances.
Recruiting a new striker is vital in the upcoming January transfer window, and it could define the Lions’ term. Langstaff looks likely to be leaving with limited appearances made, and the South London outfit’s lack of goals could turn into a huge problem.