Crystal Palace sign attacking midfielder Esse from Millwall

Crystal Palace have signed attacking midfielder Romain Esse, the club's first acquisition of the January transfer window.

The 19-year-old joins from Championship club Millwall after agreeing a five-and-a-half-year contract.

He will wear the No 21 shirt, and he will be available to play next weekend at home against Brentford, on Sunday 26 January.

What did Esse say?

"I'd like to say I'm a player who likes to get the fan off their seat," said Esse. "I like scoring goals, I like assisting, I just like making sure there's end product and just getting everyone happy. That's my job. I just can't wait to show them that on the pitch."

Who is Romain Esse?

Born in Lambeth, southeast London, Esse is a product of Millwall's academy, and made his Lions debut as a 17-year-old against Watford on Boxing Day in 2022.

A regular in The Lions' Under-18s and Under-21s set-ups, Esse made his home debut in Millwall's 3-0 success over Rotherham United on New Year's Day 2023.

From there, the attacking midfielder - who generally plays on the right wing - has grown in stature and influence.

Esse netted his first senior goal in Millwall's 1-0 win at Middlesbrough in August 2023, backing that up with a strike at Coventry City in February 2024; his two goals during his 27 appearances that season.

The England Under-20 international has been ever-present for Millwall in 2024/25, scoring five goals and producing one assist since August. 

Esse's Boxing Day goal v Norwich