Steve Evans has made it clear he wants to keep Mallik Wilks at Rotherham United beyond the end of the season, following the forward’s impact during his loan spell from Sheffield Wednesday.
The 26-year-old joined the Millers on a season-long deal last summer and, despite inconsistency, has been one of the more dangerous attacking options during a difficult League One campaign.
Evans Wants Wilks To Stay
Wilks has found the net seven times in 36 appearances this term and has provided a constant threat, either from the wing or through the middle. With his contract at Hillsborough believed to expire this summer, a permanent switch could be on the cards.
“We love working with Mallik,” Evans said. “I think he loves working with us. He’s a gifted boy who we’d like to work with going forward. Absolutely, we’ll have a conversation with him.”
Wilks endured a frustrating two years at Sheffield Wednesday, where he struggled for regular starts and often found himself on the fringes of the squad. Since moving to AESSEAL New York Stadium, he’s been given more freedom and responsibility under Evans, albeit with calls for greater consistency.
The Rotherham boss acknowledged the need for more end product from Wilks but believes there is still more to come.
“Do we need more consistency and end product from him? One million per cent we do. Does he know we need that? Yes, he does.”
Evans also revealed the forward’s lack of pre-season preparation was a factor in his early struggles, citing his limited involvement at Wednesday before the loan move.
With no extension option reportedly available on Wilks’ deal at Sheffield Wednesday, he is expected to become a free agent this summer. However, wage demands could be a stumbling block for the Millers, with Evans admitting that financial decisions lie with the club’s hierarchy.
“The financial decisions sit beyond me. Times have changed. In my first spell with the Millers, you could almost say you ran the whole football operation. You don’t anymore. Other people make decisions on finance.”
Writer’s View
Wilks has shown flashes of his quality under Steve Evans, and it’s no surprise the Rotherham boss wants to keep him. His pace and flair are assets, but consistency remains the challenge. If the financials can be worked out, this looks like a move that suits both player and club—particularly with a fresh start on offer and Rotherham in need of attacking spark next season.
