adminExclusive: Millwall looking to finalise deal for surprise signing after failed contract renewal with his club
Millwall Close in on First Summer Signing with Goalkeeper Set for Medical
Millwall are on the verge of completing the signing of goalkeeper Max Crocombe, NewsAtDen understands. The experienced shot-stopper’s contract with Burton Albion is due to expire at the end of June, paving the way for a move to The Den on a free transfer.
Crocombe, 31, is expected to undergo a medical in the coming days. If all goes according to plan, he will become Millwall’s first signing of the summer transfer window, as the Lions begin to reshape their squad ahead of the 2024-25 Championship campaign.
In addition to the Crocombe deal, Millwall are believed to be making significant progress in their pursuit of Chelsea left-back Zak Sturge. The promising youngster spent the second half of last season on loan in South London and is now reportedly close to completing a permanent switch to The Den.
Crocombe arrives with a wealth of experience and a solid reputation. Over the past two seasons, he has been a key figure at Burton Albion, featuring prominently in League One. His performances in the 2023-24 campaign earned him the club’s Player of the Season award, highlighting his consistency and influence between the sticks.
On the international stage, Crocombe has made 17 appearances for the New Zealand national team, recently adding to his accolades by winning the Golden Glove award at the 2024 OFC Men’s Nations Cup — a testament to his form and reliability.
His journey in football began at a young age. Crocombe made his senior debut at just sixteen with Buckingham Town, racking up 33 appearances in the United Counties League One before being picked up by Oxford United in 2010. He signed his first professional contract with the U’s in April 2012 and made his League Two debut the following January.
Despite limited first-team opportunities early on, Crocombe gained valuable experience through loan spells at Nuneaton Town, Barnet, and Southport, before eventually moving on from Oxford in 2016.
His career since then has been wide-ranging, with spells at Carlisle United, Salford City, and stints in Australia’s A-League with Brisbane Roar and Melbourne Victory. In 2021, he returned to English football with Grimsby Town, where he established himself as the club’s number one.
At Grimsby, Crocombe enjoyed a memorable spell, helping the Mariners achieve promotion from the National League via the 2022 play-off final. He played every league game the following season and was a crucial part of the side’s remarkable FA Cup run, which included a stunning victory over Premier League side Southampton in the Fifth Round — a result that saw the club reach the quarter-finals for the first time in 84 years.
Crocombe’s move to Millwall marks the latest chapter in a well-travelled and accomplished career, and the Lions will be hoping his experience and form can provide added stability and competition in goal for the season ahead.
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