Femi Azeez transfer: Why Liverpool could play key role in Millwall man’s move to Brighton

Brighton & Hove Albion have not given up on Nigeria international Femi Azeez, Afrik-Foot reports.

The Premier League club have made two bids for the Millwall winger, with the latest understood to be worth about £10 million, but both offers have been rejected. Brighton are now expected to make another attempt before the summer transfer window closes on September 1, as per The Athletic.

The interest comes after a strong 2025-26 season from Azeez. The 25-year-old scored 11 goals and supplied seven assists as Millwall finished third in the Championship. His form earned him a place in the PFA Championship Team of the Year, voted for by fellow professional players.

Azeez also took his chance with Nigeria, when Super Eagles head coach handed him a first international invitation. The former Reading man scored twice on his Super Eagles debut against Zimbabwe at The Valley in London in May. He then helped Nigeria win the Unity Cup following a convincing win over Jamaica in the final. That rapid rise has added weight to his case for a move to the Premier League.

Yet Brighton face a clear problem. Their offer of about £10 million is far below Millwall’s reported valuation of around £30 million. Millwall rejected a £20 million bid from Ipswich earlier in the summer and have strong reasons to demand more for a player under contract until 2028.

Liverpool’s Minteh chase changes the picture

One reason Brighton may want another winger is the uncertainty around Yankuba Minteh. Liverpool made bids of £50 million and £60 million for the Gambia international, with Brighton rejecting both. The Seagulls have been reported to want about £70 million to £80 million for the 22-year-old.

Minteh is also injured and could miss matches until October. Brighton have another attacking concern because Kaoru Mitoma has been out with a hamstring injury, while Danny Welbeck left for Chelsea. That leaves Fabian Hürzeler with reasons to protect his attacking depth.

Liverpool’s pursuit therefore matters to Azeez. If Minteh leaves the Amex, Brighton could need another wide attacker quickly. Azeez, who is not short of admirers, fits that need. He can play as a winger or striker, and he is willing to take defenders on.

Why Brighton refuse to walk away

Brighton’s persistence makes sense when Azeez’s recent rise is considered. He was not simply a productive Championship player. He earned PFA recognition, produced 18 goal contributions for Millwall and scored twice in his first Nigeria appearance.

The club also know that the gap between their latest offer and Millwall’s valuation is large. A move would need a major increase from the reported £10 million package, especially with Millwall under no clear pressure to sell.

That is why the next few hours could decide the story. Brighton have already tested Millwall twice and failed. A third bid would show how much the Seagulls value Azeez and how strongly they believe he can make the step from the Championship to the Premier League.