Birmingham City midfielder Maikel Kieftenbeld has joined Millwall on a permanent deal.
Kieftenbeld reunites with Lions manager Gary Rowett, having worked together in the second city.
The vastly experienced central midfielder has signed a contract at the Den until the end of the 2021/22 season.
Millwall Sign Maikel Kieftenbeld From Championship Rivals Birmingham City
Kieftenbeld Leaves After Five-and-half years at St Andrew’s
The Dutch international began his career in his native Netherlands with Groningen. He made over 150 appearances for them before moving to Birmingham in July 2015.
Despite the constant changes in the Birmingham dugout, Kieftenbeld has been a fixture in the Blues side. He has made over 170 appearances in the Championship and became a real favourite at St Andrew’s.
He has played ten times in the Championship this season making 12 overall this campaign.
His move to Millwall will be greeted with frustration from Birmingham’s fan perspective but Gary Rowett will be delighted to bring in the midfielder. He knows all about Kieftenbeld’s abilities and certainly, he will add steel to the Millwall midfield.
A quality all-round midfielder who has been a consistent performer at Championship level. He joins a Millwall side looking to find some consistent form having struggled in recent months.
Should he receive international clearance in time, the Dutchman should be available to make his debut against Watford tomorrow night.
Kieftenbeld Ready for New Challenge
Speaking to the Millwall website about his move, Kieftenbeld said: “I’m really pleased to be here, it’s a new adventure for me. I had been at Birmingham for five-and-a-half years, so I’m looking forward to it.
“It’s a big step for me and I’m really happy that I could stay in England and play for a club as nice as Millwall. I like it in The Championship and I like the atmosphere around the club and the British mentality. I already know the manager, so it’s worked out really well for me.
“I’m a team player, I want to do well for my team-mates and the club. I want to give everything to win a match, that’s the most important thing. I will give energy to the team too.
“I’ve been playing for Birmingham and played two lots of 90 minutes in the last week, so I’m ready to go. I can’t wait to be out there.”
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