Crystal Palace have completed the signing of teenager Romain Esse from Championship club Millwall.
The 19-year-old has become the Eagles' first signing of the January transfer window after putting pen to paper on a five-and-a-half-year contract, keeping him at Selhurst Park until 2030.
Esse makes the moves up to the Premier League after two years starring in the senior team for Millwall, where he began his career at the age of nine and progressed his way through the club's youth ranks before making his first-team debut as a 17-year-old on Boxing Day in 2022.
The versatile winger, widely regarded as one of the brighest prospects in the Championship, leaves The Den having made a total of 66 senior appearances for the Lions in all competitions, chipping in with seven goals, including five this season.
Millwall have confirmed that Esse was due to see his contract at the club expire this summer before signing an extension in August 2024, but they were ultimately powerless to keep the youngster at The Den as Crystal Palace have activated his release clause.
Esse is said to have departed Millwall for an undisclosed fee, believed to be £12m rising to £14.5m, which represents a "club-record sale" for the Lions.
© Imago
Club-record Esse exit "secures a substantial financial benefit" for Millwall
Reacting to Esse's departure, Millwall chairman James Berlyson said: "I'm really proud of Romain's journey with us and what he has achieved at such a young age.
"In his time at the club, he has matured into a fine young man and has showcased for us what a talent he is on the football pitch. I'm excited to see what the future holds for Romain, and I wish him well.
"Closer to home, Romain's journey demonstrates the pathway and potential for young players coming through our academy, and the amazing guidance they receive from our first-team and academy staff.
"Financially, this is a major first step in executing our new vision and strategy outlined this summer. The sale secures a substantial financial benefit for the club, and we have ensured there are possibilities of further financial benefits based on Romain's progress in the future.
"Reinvestment to ensure we remain competitive and adding further quality to the team is of paramount importance, as well as ensuring we can improve the infrastructure of the club.
"Thank you to the fans for your support and let's look forward to an exciting future together."
Esse in contention to make Palace debut vs. Brentford
South London is in his blood 🩸#CPFC pic.twitter.com/apPwrO7L51
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) January 18, 2025
Although Esse leaves Millwall with a heavy heart, the winger believes that Oliver Glasner's Crystal Palace "is the best place" to be to make the next step in his career.
"I'm very excited to be here," the England youth international told Palace TV. "It's a good project and a good opportunity, so I just can't wait to get started.
"For every young player, we're all looking for opportunities, and I think this is the best place to really take my game to the next level and push on in my career. I'm looking forward to it and I can't wait
"The club's going in a great direction. I think the next step in my development is very crucial. I thought this would be the best place [for it] and I just can't wait to start playing.
"It hasn't really sunk in yet, but I can't wait to play in the Premier League - but most importantly, [to play] for Crystal Palace.
"Palace fans: I can't wait to excite you on the pitch and show you what I'm all about. I'm looking forward to seeing you guys!"
Crystal Palace have confirmed that Esse will wear the No.21 shirt and will be available for selection from next weekend's match at home to Brentford (January 26), meaning he will miss Saturday's (today's) away trip to West Ham United in the Premier League.
Oliver Thomas
