Rotherham United are expected to lose several players before returning to League One next season.
After surviving last season, the goal would have been to build on that and become a consistent Championship club, but they’ve been overwhelmed this season by teams with more money and quality.
However, with Steve Evans at the helm, the club will be seeking to make an immediate return to the Championship next season, and there will be plenty of activity at the New York Stadium this summer.
With that in mind, these are the players most likely to never play for Rotherham United again.
Viktor Johansson
The Sweden international has been an outstanding player for the Millers this season, and despite having another year on his contract, he has recently attracted transfer interest.
With the club relegated to League One, it appears unlikely that he will stay at the New York Stadium next summer, and no one would begrudge him the opportunity to leave. It makes sense to let the shot-stopper leave this summer and receive a transfer fee, which could then be reinvested.
Lee Peltier
Lee Peltier, a right-back who left Middlesbrough in the summer of 2022, has joined the Millers’ roster and brought with him a wealth of experience.
The 37-year-old’s contract expires this summer, and given his age, he is expected to be dismissed as Steve Evans attempts to freshen up the squad ahead of their return to League One. Peltier is one of several Rotherham players who are nearing the end of their careers, and this summer presents an ideal opportunity for the Millers to part ways with them.
Sean Morrison
Sean Morrison, a central defender for South Yorkshire, is out of contract this summer, and there is no hint of a new agreement for the former Cardiff City captain.
The 33-year-old has been one of the Millers’ best players this season, wearing the captain’s armband on several occasions, but has failed to string together a run of games owing to injuries. He may be a valuable player in League One, but without a new deal, he will become a free agent this summer.
Tyler Blackett
Tyler Blackett, a former Manchester United player, joined the Millers on a short-term contract in March 2023, which was then extended until the end of the 2023/24 season.
This means he is out of contract this summer, and with no new agreement on the table, he appears to be leaving the club this summer. The defence hasn’t played much this season, so it seems reasonable to let him go this summer.
Grant Hall
Grant Hall, a centre-back, joined the club on loan from Middlesbrough for the 2022/23 season before making the move permanent last summer.
However, the 32-year-old only signed a one-year deal with the club, which means he’s out of contract in the summer, and after a dismal season with minimal playing time, he’s set to move on in the coming months.
Cafu
Cafu, a former Nottingham Forest player, joined Rotherham United on a one-year contract last summer and has appeared often for the Millers but has been unable to help them survive.
The 31-year-old Portuguese age-grade international’s contract at the New York Stadium expires this summer, and he appears ready to leave the club following their relegation to English football’s third tier.
Oliver Rathbone
The centre midfielder joined the Millers from Rochdale in 2021, and he’s thrived at the New York Stadium, becoming a regular in their starting lineup this season.
He has worn the captain’s armband on a number of times, and the 26-year-old should be someone the club want to keep this summer, but with his contract expiring this summer, he could well have played his final game for Steve Evans’ side.
Jamie Lindsay
Jamie Lindsay, a Scottish midfielder, joined the Millers in 2019 from Ross County and has since made over 160 appearances for the club.
However, he hasn’t played much this season, and with his contract set to expire this summer, he may be looking for fresh pastures.
Shane Ferguson
Northern Irish international Shane Ferguson is slated to leave the New York Stadium three years after joining the club in July 2021.
The 32-year-old, who has 50 caps for his country, has made few appearances in the Championship this season and appears set to leave this summer when his contract expires.
Sam Clucas
Sam Clucas joined the Millers on a free transfer from Stoke City last summer, but he only signed a one-year contract at the New York Stadium, meaning he can depart this summer.
Clucas, who previously played in the Premier League for Hull City and Swansea City, would be a good addition to League One next season, and the club’s former manager, Leam Richardson, told the Rotherham Advertiser that he would be open to keeping the player, but that could change now that Richardson has been replaced by Steve Evans.
