Millwall have agreed to sign Derby County’s Alex Pearce on a permanent deal.
Millwall manager Neil Harris believes Championship clubs be envious of his side and will regret not signing Derby County’s Alex Pearce when they had the chance, South London Press report.
“To get that done was vital. He [Alex Pearce] is a real leader and a very good centre-half for us. He is one now that other clubs will be looking at in weeks to come and say we got ahead of the market,” Harris explained.
“It will be one that other clubs look at and wish they were involved in. That’s good business by us.”
Pearce joined Millwall on loan from Derby County during the January transfer window having failed to make a single Championship appearance for the Rams under manager Frank Lampard.
The Republic of Ireland international has a promotion on his record during his time at Reading. Derby signed him on a free transfer in 2015, hoping he could replicate that success at Pride Park.
Pearce, however, often found himself out of contention despite being a reliable option. Upon being made Derby boss last summer, Lampard brought in Fikayo Tomori on loan from Chelsea instead of using Pearce.
The writing was on the wall for Pearce at Derby ahead of his contract expiration this summer. The Rams were set on making cutbacks and the central defender was an easy option to let go.
Millwall, however, have profited and made Pearce’s loan move permanent after several impressive displays. The 30-year-old established himself alongside Jack Cooper as a regular, making 11 starts.
Harris feels his new defender’s form at The Den will leave other clubs regretting not fighting the Lions for his signature. Time will tell, but Pearce could prove to be an excellent piece of business for the London club.
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