Zian Flemming has opened up on interest from Huddersfield Town and Premier League newcomers Nottingham Forest before the former Eredivisie ace completed his £2 million move to Millwall in June, speaking to Voetbal Primeur.
The former Ajax youngster has endured an admittedly sluggish start to life in London. But, make no mistake, when Flemming finds his footing on English soil, the Amsterdam-born 24-year-old could take the Championship by storm. Wind him up and watch him go.
With 27 goals and 11 assists, Flemming had been one of the most consistently impressive performers in the Netherlands across the last two seasons. In fact, if it wasn’t for his penchant for match-winning moments of magic, Fortuna Sittard would almost certainly be a second-tier side right now.
And, having caught the eye of Nottingham Forest and Huddersfield in recent windows, plus a number of Serie A clubs, Millwall certainly pulled off a coup when they secured Flemming’s sought-after signature, even if the midfielder didn’t exactly come cheap at a club-record fee of £2 million.
Nottingham Forest and Huddersfield Town wanted Zian Flemming
“Several clubs were interested. But many English clubs have come forward and that is a sign that my style fits well here,” explains Flemming. “Nottingham Forest made an offer. Huddersfield Town was also concrete in the winter, along with Millwall. And I could also have gone to Italy.”
Nottingham Forest failed with three separate bids for Flemming during the summer of 2021. The player himself admitted that he ‘wanted’ to join the City Ground outfit, before also expressing his admiration for a Millwall side aiming to punch above their weight and push towards the top-six once again.
“Honestly, I enjoy playing in England a lot more than I thought,” Flemming adds. “Aspecially because of the atmosphere in the stadiums.
“Eventually, Millwall signed me because my style adds something to the team. Now, I know my fellow players better. And it is important that my team-mates adapt to me.
“It makes no sense for me to transform myself into a typical Championship midfielder. The image for many people is that it is kick and rush. It is a bit more direct, but also a lot more controlled.
“I don’t necessarily have a specific goal. I just want as much as possible; playing, adapting to English football, developing myself and scoring as many goals as possible.”
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