The Millers will have plenty of work to do this summer.
Rotherham United’s summer transfer window is already shaping up to be very busy. The Millers have just had a disastrous season in which they finished at the bottom of the Championship table by a significant margin.
As a result, they are prepared for life back in League One and have already taken some extreme measures in the aftermath of their relegation.
The club’s released and retained list, which was announced earlier this week, confirmed that at least 16 players will leave the New York Stadium this summer.
That leaves the club with a task to complete in terms of rebuilding the team available to Steve Evans, which may include additional outgoings and incomings.
Given the task of winning quick promotion back to the Championship next season, that business will undoubtedly have to be handled well.
So, with that in mind, we’ve looked at one arrival and one departure that would be an excellent start to Rotherham United’s summer transfer window, right here.
In: Harry Cardwell
With Charlie Wyke leaving Rotherham at the end of his loan spell and Josh Kayode potentially leaving after being made available for transfer, the Millers may need to sign a new centre forward.
According to recent rumors, they are one of several clubs that have expressed interest in Southend United’s Harry Cardwell ahead of the summer transfer season.
Despite a slew of financial troubles and accompanying point deductions, the 27-year-old’s goal-scoring prowess propelled the Shrimpers to within striking distance of the National League playoffs this season.
Given how they’ve battled for goals this season, his ability to find the net would be a valuable addition to Evans’ squad. With a number of other League One and League Two clubs reportedly interested in his services, it may be a pleasant coup for Rotherham to complete this move and position themselves ahead of some of their possible promotion opponents.
Out: Jamie McCart
Beyond those who have already been released by Rotherham following the expiration of their contracts or loans, it appears that more will leave the club this summer.
One of those is Jamie McCart, who has been made available for instant transfer as the window opens.
Since joining the Millers from St Johnstone in the summer of 2022, the 26-year-old has made 13 appearances across all competitions. He has spent the bulk of this season on loan at Barnsley, following a spell with Leyton Orient in the second half of the previous season.
That does show that he is a long way down the pecking order at The New York Stadium, implying that he is a player they can afford to lose this summer. Given that he is entering the final year of his contract, this could be Rotherham’s only chance to cash in on him. If they are going to do that, it may be prudent for them to do so as soon as possible in order to collect monies that can be reinvested in some much-needed squad reinforcements for the rest of the summer.
