Rotherham United look set to add further faces to their squad in the coming days as the club attempts to bolster numbers ahead of the League Two campaign.
Imminent arrivals to ease thin pre-season numbers
Wing-back Jili Buyabu made his debut as a half-time substitute in Tuesday evening’s 2-0 friendly victory at non-league Darlington, and head coach Alex Bruce has indicated more signings are close.
"Maybe one tomorrow, possibly two by the weekend,"
Bruce said the additions would follow Buyabu’s arrival and take the week’s summer recruit total to three, with the possibility of seven signings overall if other moves are completed. He confirmed medicals and administrative steps are underway and suggested supporters could expect news within a two-day window.
Fitness management and a short break before final pre-season test
The squad have a brief spell away from training before they regroup for their final warm-up fixture against Derby County next Tuesday at the AESSEAL New York Stadium.
Bruce explained the coaching staff are conscious of player fatigue after an intensive pre-season carried out largely in Rotherham rather than on training camps abroad. He described the planned rest as a necessary part of preparation to address tiredness, stiffness and soreness.
- Debut: Jili Buyabu, 22, introduced at half-time and noted for a strong burst of pace.
- Potential arrivals: one possibly tomorrow; up to two by the weekend, according to the head coach.
- Schedule: blank weekend followed by final pre-season match against Derby County next Tuesday.
What this means for supporters and the squad
If the additional signings are completed, Rotherham’s summer recruitment will show a concerted effort to address limited numbers seen during this phase of preparations. For fans, further signings would provide reassurance about competition for places and cover across positions as the season approaches.
From a squad management perspective, the club is balancing the need to finalise deals with an obligation to manage players’ physical condition ahead of competitive fixtures.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Recent debut | Jili Buyabu (half-time substitute) |
| Friendly result | 2-0 win at Darlington |
| Potential new signings | 1 possibly tomorrow; up to 2 by weekend |
| Next friendly | Derby County, next Tuesday at AESSEAL New York Stadium |
Supporters awaiting confirmation of incoming players should expect official announcements from the club in the short term as medicals are completed and paperwork is finalised. The week ahead will be important for both recruitment and conditioning before Rotherham begin their competitive campaign.
