Manager Neil Harris has clarified Millwall’s position on Josh Stephenson, who has garnered interest from Everton.
According to Football Insider, Everton, Brighton & Hove Albion, Brentford, and newly-promoted Southampton are all keen on the young prospect. Stephenson, although yet to make his senior debut, is highly regarded at Millwall and has demonstrated versatility in the club’s youth teams.
Stephenson, an 18-year-old, won Millwall’s Academy Player of the Season for the 2023/24 campaign. He played a pivotal role in their FA Youth Cup journey, being ever-present and captaining the team through various stages. Millwall advanced to the semi-finals of the competition, with Stephenson playing every minute.
Millwall’s Youth Cup run began with a 5-3 extra-time victory over Barking in the third round. They then secured a 4-1 win at Grimsby Town in the fourth round and a 3-0 triumph at Coventry City in the fifth round, where Stephenson was named captain.
He continued as captain in the quarter-final against Chelsea, which Millwall won 5-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw, with Stephenson converting the decisive spot-kick. In the semi-final against Leeds United, despite his goal to level the match at 2-2 in the 54th minute, Millwall ultimately lost 4-3.
Speaking to the South London Press, Harris commented, “The game has changed over the last five to 10 years. Premier League clubs are now intent on buying young players. We’ve had interest in our young players, which will always be the case at Millwall because we have some excellent players coming through our system.
Josh is no different. We will be honest as a football club; we will only sell any player at the right value where we feel we can get the right deal. If we don’t get the right offer, then it will go to a tribunal. If it has to be decided by that, then so be it.
“Josh is one we really want to work with moving forward. But if any player wants to move on to new opportunities, we will ensure we protect the football club.”
