Experienced Championship midfielder George Saville will be the Hatters’ second signing of the summer when his contract expires with Millwall at the end of June.
The current Northern Ireland international, who turned 32 last week, has agreed to join the Town after playing a key role in the Lions’ past four seasons in the second tier.
Last term, George featured in all but one of Millwall’s games in the Championship as they finished just two points off the play-offs.
Manager Matt Bloomfield said: “We’re really pleased to sign George not just because of the experience and quality he’ll bring, but because he’s really enthused about the challenge that lies ahead.
“He’s chosen us over some Championship offers which shows his belief in our club, and that’s the type of character we’re after.
“A tactically astute defensive midfielder and a player who can influence those around him, we’re hoping George can help us with his leadership and ability to knit the game together in the middle of the pitch.
“He’s going to be an important component of the squad as we start to mould the group for what we need next season, and I’m extremely happy to have got this first piece of important business over the line already.”
In his first interview, Saville said: “When I first heard it was an option it was something I was really interested in, and after a few conversations it became a no brainer.
“It’s been a tough couple of years for the club but this is now a chance to correct that. Speaking with the manager, and what he wants to do, there’s a chance to build something, create a good atmosphere and have a good season.
“I had offers in the Championship but since the first conversation with the manager it was clear-cut, it fits what I want and it’s an opportunity to achieve something.”
Saville began his career in the academy at Chelsea but it was during a loan spell at Millwall where the midfielder got his first taste of senior experience in 2012/13.
A loan spell at Brentford in 2013/14 followed. He scored three times in 44 games in all competitions in his first full season and helped the Bees win promotion from League One as runners-up.
That form at Griffin Park caught the eye of Wolves, and it was to Molineux that Saville moved on a permanent deal in the summer of 2014.
The midfielder re-joined Millwall on loan in 2015 but broke into the Wolves team on a regular basis in the second half of the 2015/16 campaign, scoring five times in 19 games in the second tier.
After falling out of favour at Wolves it was back to The Den for George in 2017. He hit the ground running, scoring 10 times in 44 games in the Championship in 2017/18 as Millwall finished just outside the play-offs.
Again, his form alerted the attention of other clubs, and the following campaign he made a move to Middlesbrough in 2018/19.
He went on to become a regular for the following three seasons on Teesside, making over 100 appearances and scoring 12 times.
But in 2021/22 Saville made his way back to Millwall where he spent the last four seasons in the middle of the Lions’ midfield.
Now, as he nears 500 senior appearances, he will arrive at Kenilworth Road to become our second arrival ahead of the new campaign.
Welcome to Kenilworth Road, George!
