Why Femi Azeez joined Brighton — 3 key reasons revealed

Super Eagles forward Femi Azeez has completed a move to Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion from Championship club Millwall, Afrik-Foot reports.

The 25-year-old enjoyed an impressive 2025-26 season with the Lions in the Championship, scoring 11 goals and providing seven assists across all competitions. His performances also earned him a place in the PFA Championship Team of the Season.

Azeez also made a strong start to his international career with the Super Eagles. He scored twice on his debut in Nigeria’s 2-0 win over Zimbabwe in the 2026 Unity Cup semi-finals before making an impact in the 3-0 victory in the final as Eric Chelle’s side claimed an unprecedented fourth Unity Cup title.

The Nigerian forward was heavily linked with moves to Hull City and Aston Villa before Brighton completed a deal worth just over £15 million. He has signed a contract that could keep him at the club until 2031.

Azeez had expressed his desire to play in the Premier League earlier in the transfer window, and although Brighton did not initially appear to be the most obvious destination, the Seagulls eventually became his preferred choice.

Femi Azeez opens up on Brighton move

Speaking in his first interview as a Brighton player, Azeez explained some of the key reasons behind his decision to choose the club ahead of other interested sides.

The Nigerian revealed that his conversation with Brighton manager Fabian Hürzeler was one of the major factors behind his decision.

Azeez said the manager’s attention to detail and the things he discussed with him made him excited about the prospect of joining Brighton.

Hürzeler, the youngest manager in the Premier League, has impressed since taking charge of the club. He has helped Brighton continue their attractive style of football and played an important role in their progress, including helping the club secure European qualification last season.

“It’s unbelievable. It still hasn’t sunk in properly, but I’m over the moon and delighted and I can’t wait to get going,” Azeez said.

“Obviously, I had a chat with the manager beforehand and his attention to detail and everything that he was telling me got me really excited to come.”

Brighton’s track record of developing players

Another major reason behind Azeez’s decision was Brighton’s reputation for developing players.

The Seagulls have built a strong reputation over the years for identifying talented players, helping them improve and giving them the platform to perform at the highest level.

Brighton have also become well known for buying talented players for relatively affordable fees before developing them into top players, with many eventually leaving the club for much bigger transfer fees.

That record of player development was another factor that convinced Azeez that Brighton was the right place for the next stage of his career.

“The club has got a very good track record of developing players as well.”

Azeez’s ambition aligns with Brighton’s

The final reason behind Azeez’s decision was the belief that his ambition and desire to succeed matched those of Brighton.

The Nigerian forward explained that everything about the club felt like a good fit for him, making his decision to move to the Amex Stadium an easier one.

“And I know the ambition and the drive and everything about the club just aligned with me as a person. So, for me, I thought it was a great fit.

“It’s every young boy’s dream. It’s something I’ve been dreaming of for my whole life. To be given this opportunity is a dream come true and I’m going to take this opportunity. I’m going to work hard and I’m going to be successful here.”

What should Brighton fans expect from Femi Azeez?

The Nigerian forward also spoke about what Brighton fans can expect from him following his move to the Premier League.

Azeez enjoyed an impressive spell in the Championship with Millwall, but he is aware that the Premier League presents a completely different challenge.

However, the 25-year-old is confident that his hard work and ambition can help him adapt to the higher level and reproduce the form that earned him his move to Brighton.

“I’m over the moon. I’m confident and I obviously know the Premier League is a different step, a different level to the Championship.

“I’ll have to get used to that, but obviously I’m hardworking and ambitious. I have no doubts that hopefully I can bring what I’ve shown last season again to Brighton this season and moving forward”, he concluded.

Azeez will now hope to quickly settle into his new surroundings and begin making an impact for Brighton.

The Super Eagles forward could make his debut for the Seagulls in their Premier League game this weekend when they face Leeds United on Saturday.