The Millers sign Semi Ajayi...
Rotherham United have completed the permanent signing of Semi Ajayi from Cardiff City on a deal that will run until the summer of 2020, subject to FA, EFL and international clearance.
The 23-year-old joins the Millers for an undisclosed fee after impressing during his loan stint following his initial move from South Wales in January.
Ajayi has been a virtual ever-present in the Millers’ defence since his arrival in South Yorkshire, making nine appearances which included a goal in the home defeat to Huddersfield Town.
Interim manager Paul Warne was delighted to add Ajayi on a permanent basis, and hailed the youngster’s professionalism since joining the club.
"Since he has come into the club he has done really well,” Warne told www.themillers.co.uk
“He has really impressed us around the training ground with his attitude. He always wants to play, even when he has been sore after games, he was ready to go again for the club. That is the kind of mentality that we want here, I think you can really judge someone's character from their desire to go through the pain barrier for the team.
"Semi has done well but we are all working hard with him so he keeps improving. The staff are trying to get him to be more vocal, and he is coming along well with that side of his game. Hammy (Matt Hamshaw) especially has done a lot of work with him, and Semi has responded with a real desire to work hard and continue to improve his game. His determination and application has been first class.”
Ajayi joins fellow loanee Alex Bray in making his loan switch permanent, after the Millers recently secured the long-term services of the Swansea City winger.
Both tick boxes as the club looks to enforce a new recruitment strategy which will see the Millers target young and hungry players, with Ajayi and Bray still only in their early 20s.
Warne has now challenged the former Arsenal defender to finish the current campaign strongly, as the Millers look to accelerate their plans for next season.
"He is at a good age, he fits into the type of players that we are looking to sign here,” Warne added.
“He is athletic, quick and he has fitted well into the group. He has proved he can compete at Championship level, so he will be a great permanent addition. We are delighted to have him on board for the future, he's a great kid and all the staff really like him.
"We have challenged him now to end this current campaign on a high, and try and take that into pre-season. The club will have a full pre-season to work with him which will only help his development, and we look forward to seeing him progress.”