Millwall bring Romain Esse back on season-long loan from Crystal Palace

Millwall have completed the signing of Romain Esse on a season-long loan from Crystal Palace, bringing the winger back to The Den less than two years after his departure.

Crystal Palace officially confirmed the move on Wednesday, with the 21-year-old returning to the club where he began his professional career for the remainder of the 2026/27 campaign.

No purchase option, obligation to buy or loan fee has been disclosed, meaning the confirmed structure is limited to a straight temporary move until the end of the season.

Esse came through Millwall’s academy and made 66 first-team appearances for the club before joining Crystal Palace in January 2025. He scored seven goals during his first spell at The Den and established himself as one of the Championship’s most highly rated young attacking players.

His start at Palace was immediate, scoring on his Premier League debut against Brentford, but regular first-team opportunities proved harder to secure. Esse has made 17 senior appearances for the Eagles since moving to Selhurst Park.

He spent the second half of last season on loan at Coventry City, gaining further Championship experience before returning to Palace during the summer.

The move back to Millwall gives Esse a clearer route to regular football at a club where he is already familiar with the environment, supporters and expectations.

It also provides Millwall with an attacking player capable of operating from wide areas or behind the striker as they look to strengthen their promotion push following the departure of Femi Azeez to Brighton.

The transfer is complete and official: Palace have confirmed Esse’s season-long loan and the winger has returned to Millwall, with no permanent element disclosed as part of the agreement.