Ryan Alebiosu: How Super Eagles defender solves Millwall’s £4m problem

Super Eagles defender Ryan Alebiosu has emerged as one of Blackburn Rovers’ standout players but could be on the move before the transfer window slams shut, with Millwall considering a move, Afrik-Foot reports.

The Championship side already rejected approaches from Wolfsburg and Genoa for the right-back during the January transfer window, underlining the growing interest in a player who has continued to establish himself at Ewood Park.

Alebiosu played a key role for Blackburn after returning from Nigeria’s AFCON 2025 campaign in Morocco, contributing five assists as Rovers fought their way to Championship safety and finished just above the relegation zone.

The 24-year-old has since carried that form into the new campaign, producing an impressive display against Wolves on the opening weekend despite conceding a late penalty for handball.

Meanwhile, Femi Azeez’s Millwall missed out on promotion to the Premier League after falling in the play-offs last season, but the London club could have a bigger problem on their hands after Tristan Crama suffered another injury setback.

Ryan Alebiosu could solve Millwall’s defensive problem

Crama’s absence leaves Alex Neil with a significant hole to fill. The defender was one of Millwall’s most important players last season, making 48 appearances and earning a place in the Championship Team of the Year.

His contribution was not limited to simply keeping opponents out either, with three goals and six assists highlighting his influence across a long campaign.

Ryan Leonard has already shown that he can provide reliable cover, but Millwall’s ambitions require more than simply surviving Crama’s absence, and at 34, Leonard doesn’t have what it takes to play every Championship game.

The Lions were within touching distance of automatic promotion last season after collecting 83 points, and another serious promotion challenge will require sufficient quality across the squad.

That is where Alebiosu becomes an interesting proposition. The Nigerian offers the defensive aggression required at Championship level but also possesses the athleticism and ball-carrying ability to influence matches from the right flank.

His performance against Wolves was particularly revealing. Alebiosu handled Mateus Mane effectively in one-on-one situations while repeatedly providing an outlet when Blackburn moved forward. Those qualities could allow him to function as more than a deputy for Crama, or even make the position competitive.

As per Football League World, Blackburn would be willing to part ways with the Nigerian for £4m.

At 24, the Nigerian is still young enough to improve significantly, while already possessing substantial experience at Championship level.

The Lions cannot compete with clubs willing to spend heavily on established players. Their advantage has to come from identifying footballers before their value reaches its peak, and Ryan Alebiosu fits that model.

If the defender continues on his current trajectory, the £4m investment would not simply be the cost of solving a defensive problem. It could become an investment in an asset whose value increases alongside his performances.

Millwall’s promotion ambitions could determine Alebiosu’s decision

The biggest question is not whether Millwall can afford Alebiosu, but if they can convince him that The Den is the right next step in his career.

The defender is attracting interest from clubs higher up the football pyramid, meaning Millwall could find themselves competing against teams with greater financial resources and bigger prestige.

Their strongest argument is the project. Millwall were serious promotion contenders last season and remain determined to push towards the Premier League. For Alebiosu, joining a side with promotion ambitions could offer a clearer route to becoming one of the team’s most important players.

That may be preferable to moving to a bigger club where his opportunities are less certain.

This is ultimately why Millwall’s interest in Alebiosu should not be viewed simply as a reaction to Crama’s injury.

The Nigerian could solve an immediate problem while simultaneously fitting the club’s longer-term recruitment strategy.

Millwall need players capable of helping them compete now, but they also need footballers whose value can grow as the club progresses.