Why Lennon Miller Could Be Scotland’s Next Big Football Prospect

There is a new star on the Scottish football scene. He is a young player that has just completed his third season in professional football, made 76 appearances at club level, and has broken into Steve Clarke’s Scotland national team. One final thing – he also has 2006 written on his birth certificate.

It is Lennon Miller – Motherwell academy graduate turned Scottish footballing wonder-kid, after sticking his name on the tip of everyone’s tongues from his youthful captaincy, press resistance and delicate showboating.

As the 18-year-old approaches a remarkable fourth campaign, it may well be on a new adventure as a flattering mixture of clubs – all across Europe – continue to eye up the promising midfielder.

But Lennon certainly has the right custodian to guide him into his next move, as his father – Lee – wore the shirt of 14 different clubs during his lengthy 22-year playing career.

Where Was His Talent Bred?

Miller strutted into the Motherwell youth system at the age of just seven years old. Whilst he grew up just ten minutes away from the club in a town called Wishaw, his father was playing his football at a variety of clubs in both England and Scotland.

Lee, Lee, Lee Miller! Striker Signs Contract Extension Ahead of Final Day Showdown! https://t.co/tAbY5EJCPu #COYB pic.twitter.com/pxpnLJpso7

— Falkirk FC (@FalkirkFC) April 30, 2016

This included Carlisle United, Kilmarnock, Middlesbrough, Aberdeen and many more. The youngster then continued to be nurtured within the Motherwell ranks, leading him to be called up for the Scotland under-16’s side in 2021 – aged just 14.

The nepo-baby carried on progressing up the Scotland age groups to then compete in multiple international youth tournaments, including two UEFA European Under-17 Championships. He achieved all of this whilst still playing for Motherwell and making his way towards the first team.

In 2022, less than a week after his 16th birthday, Miller stepped on to make his senior debut for the Steelmen in the Scottish League Cup. In this match, the starlet became the clubs youngest ever debutant in a major competition – which capped a sensational achievement.

Steven Hammell makes his final changes of the game as Maguire replaces Slattery and 16 year old Lennon Miller makes his debut, replacing Sean Goss.

78’ // 4-0 // #MFCvICTFC pic.twitter.com/LJVwzkfXyq

— Motherwell FC (@MotherwellFC) August 31, 2022

What Has His Career Looked Like Since?

After making such a prompt debut, Lennon Miller went on to make his first Scottish Premiership appearance in and around the festive period of that same year. The Scotsman pushed the boat out as far as first seasons in football go, finishing the 2022/23 campaign with five appearances to his name – four of them in the league.

Still not old enough to buy his first pint, Miller jumped into the following season on a mission. He started all eight of Motherwell’s opening league fixtures, until the youngster saw a straight red card shown to him on the stroke of half time against Livingston in the early October.

This set the midfielder back one game as he served his suspension, but soon returned to the squad to pick up where he left off. However, his misfortune pursued, as Miller’s comeback lasted just 70 minutes before a fractured patella kept him out on the sidelines for upwards of three months.

Between a major injury, his first red card and a contract extension, 17-year-old Lennon Miller has felt the full force of first-team football.

But with a meeting with Stuart Kettlewell and a true family moment, it turned into a day to remember ✍️@LennonMiller06 pic.twitter.com/HdWKlN9Q5d

— Motherwell FC (@MotherwellFC) November 17, 2023

Despite this being a devastating blow for the star-boy, he came back and resumed the incredible breakthrough year he was having, as he finished the season with 32 appearances, two goals and three assists. This rewarded him with a contract extension with the Steelmen, and nominations for both PFA Scotland Young Player of the Year and SFWA Young Player of the Year.

Last season got even better for Miller. The now 18-year-old elevated his performance on the pitch, scoring four goals and assisting a whopping eight last term – as he competed amongst the Scottish Premiership’s top assisters. The teenager was also given the privilege of captaining the Motherwell team for their Scottish League Cup semi-final clash against powerhouses Rangers.

(Lennon Miller 2024/25 Premiership Stats: FotMob)

Despite losing the fixture, the experience of captaining his boyhood club out at Hampden Park is something extremely valuable. It was not the only time he walked out at Hampden either; earlier this month, Miller arrived as a late substitute for Scotland in a friendly against Iceland to make his international debut. He then played all 90 minutes against Liechtenstein three days later – even picking up an assist in their 4-0 win.

On The Move?

A player of Miller’s age, with his already abundant experience and talent in the game is bound to pick up a plethora of interest. To nobody’s surprise, that is exactly what has been unfolding so far in the current transfer window.

With players such as Napoli’s Scott McTominay and Billy Gilmour setting a Scottish precedent for overseas success, Lennon Miller has also caught the eyes of some European statures.

It was reported that both Union Saint-Gilloise in Belgium and Udinese in Italy each had bids rejected for Miller’s signature back in January. With those sides likely being two of many with similar desires, an overseas move could be a huge next step in the youngster’s career.

🚨🆕 #SSLazio 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 #TransferNews
Lazio are showing interest in Motherwell's Lennon Miller, with Udinese, Frankfurt, Strasbourg & Union SG also tracking the 18-year-old.

🫵 Motherwell expect over £5m as he enters final contract year. pic.twitter.com/3exuNIOm2i

— Ekrem KONUR (@Ekremkonur) June 22, 2025

Leagues all around the continent – Italy in particular – have aided the progression of many young Scotsmen in recent times, and Miller could be the next on that list. His father has also allegedly suggested that his son’s preferred outcome would be a step on a plane elsewhere, in order to prioritise his game time and development.

However, Scottish giants Celtic have shown heavy interest in the teenager, but they would still need to meet Motherwell’ hefty asking price. Whilst the Premiership champions would be a very attractive move for the midfielder, minutes on the pitch may be the issue. Despite club captain Callum McGregor having now turned 32, the Scotsman still sits at the heart of the Celts’ midfield, blocking a potential gateway for Miller to slip into the side next season.

🍀🟠 | Lennon Miller

Celtic have opened talks with Motherwell over the potential signing of Lennon Miller, confident they can get a deal done.

A few clubs south of the border are also keen to sign the Scottish International. pic.twitter.com/qUsaRpGIwG

— Scottish Football FC (@ScottishFootyFC) June 11, 2025

Therefore, developing his game in Scotland may not be the best alternative - even if it is with the very top of the country’s pyramid. Either way, it seems as if Miller has his head screwed on and is staying calm about a potential transfer – even with his youthful age. With plenty of time left in the window, the youngster has room to pick the right club for him.

Why Is He So Admired?

Lennon Miller has already become the new wave of midfielder that is just a joy to watch and will always stay in fashion. His sharpness to be able to creep out of tight spaces and find new pockets is exactly what the top players in his position are doing – such as Jude Bellingham, Pedri and Federico Valverde.

The way the 18-year-old manages to glide past opponents with flair also draws in many free-kicks for Motherwell. He was the most fouled player in the Scottish Premiership last season, which has gone hand in hand with Motherwell’s set-piece excellence – especially when taken by Miller.

(Motherwell FC Premiership 2024/25 Goal Split: FotMob)

The deep-lying midfielder shows sheer composure and maturity on the ball, despite his juvenile age. As the starlet avoids heavy presses, he then attempts to spray the ball up the pitch and find an attacker with his delicate distribution. These are traits that have helped him rack up so much experience at such a young age.

Miller also has a knack for winning the ball back. He loves a crunching tackle to rile up the fans, whilst gearing momentum back in Motherwell’s favour. He has just become the perfect style of central midfielder, especially when you combine his defensive attributes with the eight assists and two goals he tallied up in the Scottish Premiership last season.