Josh Coburn left Middlesbrough to join Millwall on loan for the 2024/25 Championship season.
Josh Coburn moved to Boro in 2018, joining their academy set-up after a spell with local rivals, Sunderland.
The striker made his debut for Middlesbrough’s U18 side in the 2018/19 campaign, going on to sign on as a scholar the following campaign.
The 21-year-old then penned his first professional contract in January 2021 and was called up to the first team by Neil Warnock at the back end of 2020/21.
Coburn has since made 56 appearances in all competitions for the Teessiders, scoring 12 and assisting two.
The Bedale-born star began 2024/25 as Michael Carrick’s backup striker behind Emmanuel Latte Lath.
However, once Tommy Conway was brought to the Riverside Stadium midway through August, Coburn was relegated to third-choice number nine.
In turn, it came as little surprise when Coburn joined Millwall on deadline day last month.
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Why Josh Coburn left Middlesbrough for Millwall
Coburn excelled on his Millwall debut on August 31st, scoring one and assisting one as The Lions beat Sheffield Wednesday 3-0 in a Championship clash.
Now, the loanee has opened up on why he decided to leave Middlesbrough and move to Millwall for the 2024/25 season.
Carrick has already proven himself as a quality manager and the former midfielder excelled during his playing career with Manchester United.
However, as per London News Online, the fact Neil Harris is an ex-striker played a key role in Coburn signing for Millwall.
He said: “That was a massive part in me coming here [Harris being a centre-forward].
“He was saying how much he helps the strikers and how much he likes to do one-on-one sessions. He has already helped me in training with little movements.
“That is really going to benefit me this season.
“It’s a massive club. After speaking to the gaffer I knew it was a really good one to come to. It was the right move for me.
“The way they play suits me down to the ground.”
Does Josh Coburn have a future at Middlesbrough
Picking Millwall as the club to join on loan does make a lot of sense from Coburn’s point of view.
As he mentioned, Harris is a striker so can offer him an insight Carrick, an ex-midfielder, could not.
Furthermore, as Millwall were desperate to sign a new centre-forward last month, it was obvious Coburn would get plenty of game time at The Den.
But as it is only a temporary switch, the Englishman will have a big decision to make on his future come May 2025.
Coburn’s ability to perform at Championship level has never really been questioned and he is likely to excel at Millwall this term.
However, the striker’s style of play does not really suit what Carrick wants from his number nine.
Middlesbrough like to play the ball on the floor and have their forwards make runs in behind.
Coburn, on the other hand, is a very physical player who prefers to win long balls and battle with defenders.
So, even if his loan goes very well this season, as long as Carrick remains in the Boro dugout, it is hard to see Coburn becoming a regular starter on Teesside, meaning a permanent exit may be needed next year.