Aston Villa backed to beat Crystal Palace to 11-goal star wanted by Super Eagles’ Chelle

Crystal Palace could face serious competition from Aston Villa in the race to sign Millwall winger Femi Azeez after the Nigerian attacker’s outstanding Championship campaign, Afrik-Foot reports.

The 24-year-old, who is being monitored by Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle ahead of future Super Eagles selections, is now expected to attract major Premier League interest following Millwall’s painful play-off exit.

Azeez struggled to make an impact on Monday night as Millwall lost 2-0 to Hull City at The Den in the second leg of their Championship play-off semi-final. The defeat ended the Lions’ hopes of returning to the English top flight for the first time since 1990.

Millwall had finished third in the Championship table, just one point behind second-placed Ipswich Town, but Sergej Jakirovic’s Hull side held firm after a 0-0 first-leg draw at the MKM Stadium before sealing qualification in London through goals from Mohamed Belloumi and Joe Gelhardt.

Despite the disappointing end to the season, Azeez’s performances across the campaign have significantly boosted his reputation. The winger registered 11 league goals and seven assists in 35 appearances, becoming one of the most dangerous attacking players in the division.

Former Millwall player Bryan King believes the club are now in a strong position to demand a huge transfer fee for the winger.

“He’s a player who’s had a very good season,” King said via Aston Villa News. “If he leaves Millwall, it will be for a record sum, that is for sure. I wouldn’t let him go for anything less than £25 million.”

Aston Villa tipped to enter race for Azeez

King also believes Aston Villa would be an ideal destination for the former Reading player, especially after his rapid development under Alex Neil this season.

“I would expect plenty of clubs to come in for him and even bid £30 million, and that wouldn’t be a silly figure,” King added.

“He’s a talented player, and he’s the sort of player that Aston Villa need.

“He’s got a trick, and after his performances this season, he’s certainly put himself in the frame for a move. Signing for Villa would be a great move for him and would be a great payday for Millwall.”

Azeez only joined Millwall from Reading during the summer of 2024 and initially needed time to settle at The Den. In his first season, he managed just two goals and five assists as the club narrowly missed out on the play-offs.

However, his dramatic improvement this term became one of the biggest reasons behind Millwall’s promotion challenge. His pace, direct dribbling and eye for goal consistently troubled defenders throughout the Championship campaign.

Crystal Palace had earlier been reported as favourites to sign the winger, but Aston Villa’s possible involvement could change the direction of the transfer battle.

Millwall are also protected by Azeez’s long-term contract, which runs until June 2028, meaning the club can negotiate from a position of strength during the summer transfer window.