This article is part of Football League World’s ‘Terrace Talk’ series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…
Rotherham United are preparing for another year in League One after a disappointing return to the third tier of English football.
Former Millers assistant manager Matt Hamshaw returned to the club to replace Steve Evans in the dugout in the last month of the season, and the team’s leap from 16th to 13th place signals that there is something to work with heading into next season.
Sam Nombe’s form was a shining spot in their return to League One, with 14 goals and five assists in 43 games.
| Sam Nombe – Rotherham United league goals and appearances (per Fbref.com) | ||||
| Season | Appearances (Starts) | Goals (Assists) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-24 | 41 (26) | 3 (3) | ||
| 2024-25 | 43 (40) | 14 (5) | ||
The forward was the Millers’ top scorer, and could be someone that Hamshaw will want to rely on going into the new season.
Sam Nombe’s Rotherham United future addressed after standout 2024-25 season
When asked if transfer interest in Nombe may be expected this summer, FLW’s Rotherham fan analyst Tom Eyre said it would take at least £3 million to get the club to cash in.
He compared the 26-year-old to Joe Taylor, who moved to Huddersfield Town last January for a similar fee.
“I think 14 goals in a really poor Rotherham side, and a poor League One side, really, you don’t really score often, not to mention another five assists,” Eyre told the Football League World newspaper.
“He has it all. Pace, power, finishing, and inventive skill.
“As a 26-year-old League One striker, he can only improve.
“He’s a wonderful player, fantastic footballer, and I truly believe that he is someone for whom we paid £1 million; I would not take anything less, for sure.
“But I don’t think I’d accept anything less than £3 million, which is roughly the price Joe Taylor paid for Huddersfield.”
“I believe he is a similar player to Sam Nombe. So, if he’s asking for £3 million, Sam Nombe should be worth at least that much.”
Sam Nombe will be key for Rotherham United next season if Matt Hamshaw can keep hold of him
It will take a large offer, possibly in the region of £3 million, to persuade Rotherham to sell Nombe this summer.
Otherwise, he will be an important part of Hamshaw’s first-team plans, considering his goal-scoring consistency last season.
If the Millers want to progress and compete for promotion back to the Championship, they will need someone with the forward’s skill in attack.
Nombe’s contract runs until the summer of 2027, therefore Rotherham are not in a position to cash in on the player this year, but like with many League One clubs, bids of a specific value will be considered if it makes commercial sense.
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