Femi Azeez: 5 milestones that convinced Brighton to spend big on Super Eagles star

Super Eagles attacker Femi Azeez has completed a transfer to Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion, Afrik-Foot reports.

​Speculation had surrounded his future throughout the summer transfer window, with clubs like Aston Villa, Ipswich Town, and Hull City reportedly exploring deals. However, none were willing to meet Millwall’s valuation of the forward.

​Brighton eventually swooped in, sealing a deal worth €17.5 million for the Nigeria international.

We are pleased to confirm the signing of Nigerian international winger Femi Azeez from Millwall on a four-year contract, for undisclosed terms! 🤝

— Brighton & Hove Albion (@BHAFC) September 2, 2026

​For the 25-year-old, this marks both a major career step and his first taste of top-flight football. The transfer is also smart business for the Seagulls, securing a player with high potential at a sensible fee with room to develop into a key figure.

​Here, Afrik-Foot looks at five milestones that have propelled Azeez into the spotlight over the years.

1. Femi Azeez’s 18-Goal-Contribution Season

The biggest reason for Brighton’s interest was definitely Azeez’s 2025/26 campaign.

The Super Eagles star finished the season with 11 goals and seven assists in 37 Championship appearances, giving him 18 goal contributions for the season.

His 11 goals made him Millwall’s highest goalscorer in the Championship, while his seven assists placed him among the top providers.

It was the season that transformed Azeez from just an exciting Championship player into a realistic Premier League target.

2. He Became a Championship Team of the Season Player

Super Eagles forward Femi Azeez with his PFA Championship Team of the Year plaque 🇳🇬 pic.twitter.com/6OHgpZrzuy

— 49th. (@the49thstreet) August 27, 2026

Following his outstanding campaign, Azeez was named in the PFA Championship Team of the Year. This was just a confirmation that he was one of the best legs in the Championship.

He was also included in the EFL’s Championship Team of the Season, showing how highly his campaign was rated.

For Brighton, that offered further evidence that Azeez’s numbers were not simply the product of a purple patch. He had become one of the Championship’s best attacking players.

3. Azeez’s Market Value Exploded

Femi Azeez’s rise has also reflected in his Transfermarkt valuation. The winger’s market value jumped by almost €14 million during the 2025/26 season, taking him to €15 million by May 2026. This means his value has increased by almost 14x.

When Azeez joined Millwall from Reading in 2024, he was just a promising Championship player. Two years later, he has being valued alongside established players at the top end of the division.

Brighton’s willingness to invest heavily therefore came after a dramatic increase in his value.

4. He Made an Immediate Impact For Nigeria

Azeez’s breakthrough was not restricted to club football. After his outstanding season with Millwall, Eric Chelle handed him his senior Nigeria debut against Zimbabwe in the Unity Cup in May 2026.

The winger responded by scoring both goals in Nigeria’s 2-0 victory, giving him a dream start to his international career. He then provided an assist in Nigeria’s next game against Jamaica, giving him three direct goal contributions across his first two senior appearances.

His debut-day brace ensured that he became the first player since 1971 to achieve such a feat for Nigeria.

5. He Turned A Difficult Route Into A Premier League Breakthrough

The most impressive milestone is where Azeez has come from. After coming through Watford’s youth system, he dropped into non-league football before spells with Northwood, Wealdstone and Hanwell Town.

He eventually earned his opportunity in the professional game with Reading before joining Millwall in 2024.

His rise from non-league football, the 9th division of English football, to becoming a €17.5 million-rated Championship player and a Nigeria international has been remarkably quick.

Brighton are now betting that the same trajectory can continue in the Premier League.