Done deal and a new club record: hot-shot Sam Nombe joins Rotherham United

ROTHERHAM United today more than doubled their transfer record as they announced the signing of striker Sam Nombe on a four-year deal.

The fee has been officially described as 'undisclosed' but it is in seven figures and smashes the previous highest outlay, set less than a fortnight ago when midfielder Christ Tiehi made a £400,000-plus switch from Czech Republic side Slovan Liberec.

Millers boss Matt Taylor managed Nombe when he was at Exeter City and describes the 24-year-old as a centre-forward of "pace and power".

Bringing the attacker to AESSEAL New York Stadium from the Grecians is a real statement of intent from Rotherham as they look to build on their 2022/23 Championship survival mission.

He has been added to their ranks in time for him to be in the squad for Saturday's Championship home clash with Norwich City.

"He's got pace and power," Taylor said. "He's a 'Rotherham United' kind of player. He's scored goals consistently for the last couple of seasons. He's a good age.

"One thing we've found in this window is the huge loan fees we'd have to pay for centre-forwards elsewhere. Then you're developing other team's players. That's only a short-term fix. We want to progress ourselves as a club. I see it as an investment. It's good business.

"He's the type of character who will take on the challenge. He's what I stand for and this club stand for. He'll be on the front foot and battering into a lot of defenders. We wanted more options at the top end of the pitch.

"He's a certain type of profile, one we've been looking for. His pace and power will see him step up to the level. There are other areas of his game which we need to improve and he's aware of that. The main thing is, he scores goals."

It is believed South Yorkshire rivals Barnsley also made a big offer for the frontman.

Taylor took Nombe to Exeter from MK Dons in July 201 when he was boss at St James Park.

The Croydon-born player began his career with MK and had loan spells at Luton Town, Maidenhead United and Oxford City before linking up with Taylor.

He blossomed with the Grecians, scoring ten goals in 32 outings as they were promoted from League Two in the 2021/22 campaign and 17 in 47 appearances last term in the third tier.

Nombe, who has yet to get off the mark this season, becomes the 12th Millers arrival of the summer.