Loanee Jili Buyabu has big aims with Rotherham United

'CRYSTAL Palace, Tottenham, Chelsea …'

Rotherham United's new loan signing was running through the clubs he'd been with as a kid trying to make the grade as a professional footballer.

It's an impressive Premier League CV for Jili Buyabo who now, at the age of 22, is looking to make his mark with the League Two Millers and really kick-start his EFL career.

Sheffield United's left wing-back has already demonstrated blistering speed in his short time in S60 and has been just as quick in laying down a bold target for when the league campaign kicks off this weekend.

"I spoke to my agent. 10 GAs (goal assists) by January," he grinned.

It might not be beyond the Enfield-born player either. Last term, during a 37-match loan spell at National League Forest Green Rovers, he recorded six of them - along with the small matter of seven goals!

In pre-season, he has shown he likes to take on opponents, get in crosses and, when the opportunity is there, try to get himself on the scoresheet.

He's been with the Championship Blades since October 2022 but has made only two appearances in that time. With the Millers, who had been tracking him for a number of weeks before them move was made official on July 27, he should get the game time he needs.

"Rotherham are a big club," he said. "I'm here to fight. I'm very passionate about any club I play for. We're looking to get promoted. I'm here to help the team."

He's sure he can add something to head coach Alex Bruce's team. "I'm fast," he said. "Skills? Crazy! The fans will love me."

The path from Bramall Lane to AESSEAL New York Stadium is a well-worn one and Rotherham have benefited from the presence of loan youngsters from their South Yorkshire neighbours in the recent past.

Femi Seriki had a short stint in 2024 and went on to break into the Blades first-team reckoning while Jamal Baptiste came of age with the Millers last term and may be a first-choice pick for his parent club on opening day.

"I talked to them both before coming here, I'm quite close with them," the new boy said. "I grew up with Femi at Sheffield United and we shared a pitch. Jamal, I've known him from London and, obviously, now at Sheffield United. They told me it's a good club and the expectation is high."

Buyabu also spoke to Rotherham head of football Steve McClaren before heading across the Parkway: "Steve said to me: 'When you step into a place, make sure you have a smile on your face.' I'm buzzing to be here."

The player certainly isn't lacking in confidence, but he retains enough humility to know that he's not the finish article.

"I like to learn," he said. "That's in football and life in general. I'm willing to improve on anything I need to. We've got a great coaching staff and they'll help me with that."

A loan move to Scottish side Motherwell in 2024 didn't work out and he headed back south for 'personal reasons' within a month after just one outing.

He fared better at Rochdale in the fifth tier of English football before racking up those eye-catching figures with Forest Green at the same level.

The new season with the Millers is a big chance for him to make his mark in the Football League.

If he develops at the same pace at which he runs, his progress will be one thing ...

Rapid.