Millwall, with their current first choice Lukas Jensen out injured until September, have agreed a year-long deal for Fulham’s Steven Benda.
The London-based side have allowed Benda to continue his development at a level already familiar to the ‘keeper. Fulham are short on goalkeeping choices, but with Bernd Leno as a solidified first option, the 26-year-old will continue his growth in the Championship and away from his parent club.
With a career starting in 2016, Benda has moved through Germany in the early stages and now continues in the EFL with Millwall. FC Heidenheim and 1860 München took the 26-year-old on until 2017, with Swansea City being the goalkeeper’s permanent club until a switch to Fulham in August 2023.
Loan deals with Swindon Town and Peterborough United have resulted in a re-visit to the second tier. The 2019/20 League Two loan spell saw Benda feature in 24 league games. Peterborough handed the German ‘keeper just 11 domestic appearances before a return to Swansea gave Benda a more permanent place in the lineup.
Millwall’s summer window has been fairly impressive, with additions of Zak Sturge from Chelsea and Max Crocombe offering up free deals for added experience as well as youth. Josh Coburn was also acquired by the Lions as Middlesbrough allowed the 22-year-old to leave for over £5 million. Benda is the fourth to join Alex Neil’s side.
In terms of outgoings, Millwall have let go of Liam Roberts as the 30-year-old joined Mansfield Town on a free deal. A mass exodus of players this summer has seen Aaron Connolly, George Saville, George Honeyman, Murray Wallace and Roberts all drop down to League One. It is clear that their summer business will not conclude any time soon.
Writer’s View
With an important coverage of an injury, this Benda acquisition is smart and will offer a good reward for Millwall. The worst case scenario is that Benda does not kick on under Neil, but Jensen would easily step back into the fold upon returning from injury.
If both players are performing at a high level, it will create a fantastic element of competition between the sticks. This is something many Championship sides aren’t as lucky to have, so Millwall could land themselves in a luxurious position.
