Latest EPL Transfer news: Why Aston Villa may not sign Femi Azeez this summer

UEFA Europa League winners Aston Villa are interested in Super Eagles winger Femi Azeez, but there are growing concerns that the attacker may not end up at Villa Park this summer, Afrik Foot reports.

The 25-year-old is coming off the strongest campaign of his career, delivering 18 goal contributions and earning a place in the EFL Championship Team of the Season. Those performances have placed him firmly on the radar of several Premier League clubs, with Villa among the most serious admirers.

For a player who has openly spoken about his ambition to reach the Premier League, the timing feels perfect, but there’s some hesitation from Unai Emery’s side.

Aston Villa: Crysencio Summerville stands in Azeez’s way

The biggest obstacle standing between Azeez and Villa is Crysencio Summerville.

According to Football Insider, Villa are actively tracking both players as Unai Emery looks to strengthen his wide areas. However, it appears the Dutch winger edges Azeez when Premier League experience comes into play.

The Villans are not simply building for squad depth anymore. After winning the Europa League and securing Champions League football, Emery is under pressure to build a side capable of competing for titles on multiple fronts.

This changes the recruitment strategy. Azeez may be exciting, but he remains untested at the Premier League level. Summerville, on the other hand, has already shown he can perform against top-flight opposition and has also elevated his chances further with strong World Cup performances for the Netherlands.

That gives Villa a safer, lower-risk option, and for a club preparing for another brutal season of European and domestic football, reliability often outweighs potential.

Millwall’s valuation may be too steep

The second issue is the transfer fee. Millwall value Azeez at around £30 million and have already rejected a £20 million offer from Ipswich Town.

That number feels significant for a player who has never played Premier League football.

Yes, £30m is cheaper than West Ham’s Summerville’s £50m valuation, but the situation is heavily contextual.

If Villa are already prepared to spend heavily on one wide player, they may prefer to stretch further for someone more proven rather than gamble on adaptation.

That’s especially true because Azeez’s value is inflated by demand. Crystal Palace and Ipswich are both interested, which strengthens Millwall’s negotiating position. Villa may simply decide the risk-to-cost ratio is not attractive enough.

For Emery, a potential signing for £30m may not be as appealing as Summerville’s certainty of performing at a top level for Villa.

Timing may also work against Azeez

Aston Villa need players who can walk into the squad and contribute immediately.

Azeez is still developing. While his versatility is attractive, stepping into a Champions League-level environment is a huge jump from the Championship.

That kind of transition can take time, and with Emery expected to challenge for another top-four finish, time is something Villa may not have.

For Azeez, this does not weaken his Premier League chances. If anything, interest from multiple clubs confirms he is ready for the next step, but right now, Aston Villa may be looking less for a project and more for a proven product.

That is why, despite the interest, Femi Azeez may have to look away from Birmingham to make his Premier League breakthrough this summer.