Millwall must consider these five Japhet Tanganga replacements amid links to Bundesliga and Crystal Palace

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After enjoying a fantastic season with Millwall, it’s no surprise that big clubs are sniffing around Japhet Tanganga, but the Lions could replace him fairly easily.

Tanganga really found his feet with Millwall after a tough spell with Tottenham Hotspur, via a fruitless loan spell at Augsburg in Germany.

The big defender quickly became one of the best players in the Championship and was a standout performer for Alex Neil’s side in 2024/25.

Crystal Palace are now keen on Tanganga, while a fresh report from Alan Nixon suggests the 26-year-old would prefer a switch to Germany or France this summer.

We know a £1.2m release clause in his Millwall deal could make Tanganga an easy target for other clubs, but there’s plenty of alternatives out there for the Lions if they need to replace him.

• READ MORE: Every incoming and outgoing at Millwall in the 2025/26 summer transfer

Five defenders Millwall could sign to replace Japhet Tanganga

Ashley Phillips

Millwall could shop close to home again by raiding Tottenham for another big centre-half, with Ashley Phillips sure to be available for loan in 2025/26.

The young defender spent last season on loan with Stoke City and looked accomplished in the second tier. But, he’s still got work to do if he wants to break into the Spurs first team.

Phillips is more of a ball-playing centre-half, whereas Tanganga is a more physical player, but he could really give Millwall a different dimension to their play.

Semi Ajayi

If Millwall want to pocket the £1.2m and grab a bargain replacement for Tanganga, they could look at Championship free agents like Semi Ajayi.

The 31-year-old is being released by West Brom this summer, and while he would be a shorter-term fix, he does offer that bustling, combative defensive approach that Tanganga is so renowned for.

Ajayi has played 200 times in the Championship and would bring a wealth of experience as a ready-made replacement.

• READ MORE: Millwall legend Shaun Hutchinson reveals what he thinks about Alex Neil after ending nine-year Lions stay

Di’Shon Bernard

On the other hand, if Millwall are willing to spend the Tanganga cash (plus a bit more), they could take advantage of the mess at Sheffield Wednesday and snap up Di’Shon Bernard.

We suggested Bernard as an option for Norwich this summer, but he’s such a similar player to Tanganga that it’s hard to look past him as the perfect alternative.

Both are strong, aggressive centre-halves who love to get stuck in and who also offer a big threat at the other end of the pitch. Plus, Wednesday could be willing to part ways with Bernard in a cut-price deal given their financial issues.

Donovan Pines

The Lions could also browse League One for a top defender, and Donovan Pines is another absolute bargain they must surely consider if Tanganga leaves.

The American is available on a free transfer this summer after coming to the end of his contract with Barnsley. At almost 2 metres tall, Pines is a beast of a defender who impressed over 24 appearances for the Tykes last season, bagging two goals.

Dion Sanderson

Dion Sanderson had the odd privilege of making a loan move to the division above last season, joining Blackburn Rovers on a temporary basis from Birmingham City.

He’s now back with the Blues, but his future is likely to involve a move elsewhere this summer. Sanderson does have two years left on his Birmingham contract, so they’ll want a fee for him, but it’s unlikely to be more than £1m given he’s surplus to requirements at St. Andrew’s.