Millwall re-sign winger Esse on loan from Palace

Millwall have re-signed winger Romain Esse from Crystal Palace on loan until the conclusion of the season. The 21-year-old began his professional career at Millwall, accumulating more than 60 appearances for the club before transferring to Palace in January 2025 for a reported transfer fee of £12 million. Esse scored his first goal for the Eagles with his initial touch in a 2-1 loss to Brentford just eight days after signing, but he experienced limited playing time at Selhurst Park thereafter.

He spent the latter part of the previous season on loan at Coventry City, contributing 17 appearances and netting twice as the Sky Blues secured the Championship title. Esse joins Millwall as their 12th signing of the summer transfer window and assumes the role of Femi Azeez, who departed for Brighton & Hove Albion on deadline day.

His return to Millwall was finalized before the window closed at 23:00 BST on Tuesday but was not disclosed until Wednesday morning. Millwall's director of football, Steve Gallen, expressed his satisfaction with Esse's return, stating that the player was initially the club's most promising talent before moving to Crystal Palace, where he had limited opportunities. Gallen added that Millwall aims to provide Esse with a significant opportunity once again.