Brighton & Hove Albion have completed the signing of Nigerian winger Femi Azeez from Millwall, handing the 25-year-old a four-year contract in a move that marks the latest chapter in his remarkable rise through English football.
The Premier League club agreed an undisclosed fee for Azeez after the two sides submitted a deal sheet before the original 11pm transfer deadline.
The paperwork allowed the transfer to be completed during the extended window, which ran until 1am on Wednesday.
Azeez Earns Premier League Move After Breakout Season
Azeez arrives at Brighton following an impressive 2025/26 campaign with Millwall, where his attacking performances helped the Championship club mount a serious push for the playoffs.
During his time at Millwall, the winger made 77 appearances, scoring 15 goals and registering 13 assists.
His contribution was recognised at the end of the campaign when he was selected in both the PFA Championship Team of the Season and the EFL Championship Team of the Season.
His consistency and attacking threat ultimately convinced Brighton to make a move for him.
Brighton Sporting Director Welcomes New Signing
Brighton sporting director Mike Cave expressed his satisfaction at finally completing the transfer and believes Azeez can add another attacking dimension to the squad.
“We are delighted to add Femi to the squad,” Cave said in a post shared by the club on X.
He praised the winger’s role in Millwall’s successful campaign and described him as one of the Championship’s most exciting attacking players.
Brighton had reportedly been keen to secure the deal, with the late completion allowing the club to get the transfer over the line after the initial deadline had passed.
From Non-League Football to the Premier League
Azeez’s career path makes his arrival in the Premier League particularly notable.
The winger began his development in Watford’s youth system before dropping into non-league football with Northwood.
He subsequently represented Wealdstone and Hanwell Town before earning another opportunity in the professional game.
His performances eventually attracted Reading, who signed him in 2019.
Five years later, he moved to Millwall, where his career accelerated significantly.
The Brighton transfer now completes an extraordinary climb from non-league football to one of the biggest stages in English football.
Nigeria Career Takes Off in Dramatic Fashion
Azeez has also made an immediate impact at international level with Nigeria.
The winger enjoyed a dream senior debut for the Super Eagles in June, scoring both goals in Nigeria’s 2-0 victory over Zimbabwe.
Just four days later, he contributed an assist as Nigeria secured another convincing result, beating Jamaica 3-0.
Those early performances have given Azeez a strong platform to establish himself as an important part of Nigeria’s attacking options.
Brighton Move Raises Expectations
The four-year contract gives Azeez an opportunity to develop further at a Premier League club known for giving talented players a platform to progress.
His challenge will now be adapting to the intensity and quality of Premier League football while competing for regular opportunities in Brighton’s attacking ranks.
For a player who began his senior journey outside the professional leagues, the move represents a remarkable transformation in his career within just a few years.
A New Test Awaits in the Premier League
Azeez’s next task is to translate the form that made him stand out in the Championship onto the Premier League stage.
His combination of goals, assists and attacking energy made him one of Millwall’s key players, while his explosive start with Nigeria has further raised expectations surrounding his potential.
Brighton will hope the winger can continue that upward trajectory and become another valuable addition to their squad.
What’s Next for Femi Azeez?
Azeez will now begin preparations for his first Premier League season after completing his move from Millwall.
The transition will provide the Nigerian international with his biggest test yet, but his unconventional journey suggests he is accustomed to overcoming challenges.
From youth football and non-league sides to Reading, Millwall, Nigeria and now Brighton, Azeez has steadily climbed the football pyramid.
His Premier League debut will offer the latest opportunity to prove that his rapid rise is far from over.
Summary
Brighton & Hove Albion have signed Nigerian international Femi Azeez from Millwall on a four-year contract after completing the deal in the extended transfer window.
The 25-year-old leaves Millwall after registering 15 goals and 13 assists in 77 appearances and earning selection in the PFA and EFL Championship Teams of the Season.
Having risen from non-league football and made a spectacular start to his Nigeria career, Azeez now faces the biggest challenge of his career as he prepares to make his mark in the Premier League.
